CUCU modification of mRNA promotes decapping and transcript degradation in Aspergillus nidulans.

ABSTRACT: In eukaryotes, mRNA decay is generally initiated by the shortening of the poly(A) tail mediated by the major deadenylase complex Ccr4-Caf1-Not. The deadenylated transcript is then rapidly degraded, primarily via the decapping-dependent pathway. Here we report that in Aspergillus nidulans both the Caf1 and Ccr4 orthologues are functionally distinct deadenylases in vivo: Caf1 is required for the regulated degradation of specific transcripts, and Ccr4 is responsible for basal degradation. Intriguingly disruption of the Ccr4-Caf1-Not complex leads to deadenylation-independent decapping. Additionally, decapping is correlated with a novel transcript modification, addition of a CUCU sequence. A member of the nucleotidyltransferase superfamily, CutA, is required for this modification, and its disr

SUBMITTER: Morozov IY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2798463 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature