Subcellular localization of RNA degrading proteins and protein complexes in prokaryotes

RNA Biol. 2011 Jan-Feb;8(1):49-54. doi: 10.4161/rna.8.1.14066. Epub 2011 Jan 1.

Abstract

The archaeal exosome is a prokaryotic protein complex with RNA processing and degrading activities. Recently it was shown that the exosome is localized at the periphery of the cell in the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. This localization is most likely mediated by the archaeal DnaG protein and depends on (direct or indirect) hydrophobic interactions with the membrane. A localization of RNA degrading proteins and protein complexes was also demonstrated in several bacteria. In bacteria a subcellular localization was also shown for substrates of these proteins and protein complexes, i.e. chromosomally encoded mRNAs and a small RNA. Thus, despite the missing compartmentalization, a spatial organization of RNA processing and degradation exists in prokaryotic cells. Recent data suggest that the spatial organization contributes to the temporal regulation of these processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Archaeal Proteins / metabolism
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA Primase / metabolism
  • Exosomes / genetics
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Polyribonucleotide Nucleotidyltransferase / metabolism
  • RNA Helicases / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • RNA Stability
  • RNA, Archaeal / metabolism*
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • Ribonucleases / metabolism
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism
  • Sulfolobus solfataricus / genetics
  • Sulfolobus solfataricus / metabolism

Substances

  • Archaeal Proteins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • RNA, Archaeal
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • DNA Primase
  • Polyribonucleotide Nucleotidyltransferase
  • Ribonucleases
  • RNA Helicases