The XRN1-regulated RNA helicase activity of YTHDC2 ensures mouse fertility independently of m6A recognition
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ABSTRACT: The functional consequence of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is mediated by ‘reader’ proteins like those of the YTH family that recruit additional factors to alter splicing, RNA stability or translation. Germline-specific YTH domain-containing 2 (YTHDC2) is essential for mammalian fertility, but its molecular function is poorly understood. Here we use a tagged mouse line to identify U-rich motifs as binding sites of YTHDC2 on 3′ UTRs of testicular RNA targets. Although its YTH domain is an m6A-binder in vitro, the YTH point mutant mouse lacking this ability displays no obvious phenotypes. Its 3′→5′ RNA helicase activity is essential for fertility, with the catalytic-dead mutation being dominant-negative. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal that Ythdc2 mutant mitotic testicular germ cells transition into meiosis but accumulate a transcriptome with mixed mitotic/meiotic identity. We also reveal a conserved role for YTHDC2 in animal fertility.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE196427 | GEO | 2022/03/22
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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