The crystal structure of Mtr4 reveals a novel arch domain required for rRNA processing.
The essential RNA helicase, Mtr4, performs a critical role in RNA processing and degradation as an activator of the nuclear exosome. The molecular basis for this vital function is not understood and detailed analysis is significantly limited by the lack of structural data. In this study, we present the crystal structure of Mtr4. The structure reveals a new arch-like domain that is specific to Mtr4 and Ski2 (the cytosolic homologue of Mtr4). In vivo and in vitro analyses demonstrate that the Mtr4 arch domain is required for proper 5.8S rRNA processing, and suggest that the arch functions independently of canonical helicase activity. In addition, extensive conservation along the face of the putative RNA exit site highlights a potential interface with the exosome. These studies provide a molecular framework for understanding fundamental aspects of helicase function in exosome activation, and more broadly define the molecular architecture of Ski2-like helicases.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
Ryan N
RN
Jackson
A Alejandra
AA
Klauer
Bradley J
BJ
Hintze
Howard
H
Robinson
Ambro
A
van Hoof
Sean J
SJ
Johnson
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D055354:Exosomes / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D012331:RNA, Fungal / Q000378:metabolism*; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000378:metabolism*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000201:enzymology*; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D016415:Sequence Alignment
D012331:RNA, Fungal; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; C101004:MTR4 protein, S cerevisiae; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases