Project description:In eukaryotes, three of the four ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), the 5.8S, 18S and 25S/28S rRNAs, are processed from a single pre-rRNA transcript and assembled into ribosomes. The fourth rRNA, the 5S rRNA, is transcribed by RNA polymerase III and is assembled into the 5S ribonucleoprotein particle (5S RNP), containing ribosomal proteins Rpl5/uL18 and Rpl11/uL5, prior to its incorporation into pre-ribosomes. In mammals the 5S RNP is also central regulator of the homeostasis of the tumour suppressor p53. The nucleolar localisation of the 5S RNP and its assembly into pre-ribosomes is performed by a specialised complex composed of Rpf2 and Rrs1 in yeast or Bxdc1 and hRrs1 in humans. Here we report the structural and functional characterisation of the Rpf2-Rrs1 complex alone, in complex with the 5S RNA and within pre-60S ribosomes. We show that the Rpf2-Rrs1 complex contains a specialised 5S RNA E loop binding module, contacts the Rpl5 protein and also contacts the ribosome assembly factor Rsa4 and the 25S RNA. We propose that the Rpf2-Rrs1 complex establishes a network of interactions that guide the incorporation of the 5S RNP in pre-ribosomes in the initial conformation prior to its rotation to form the central protuberance found in the mature large ribosomal subunit.
Project description:The 5S RNP is assembled from its three components (5S rRNA, Rpl5/uL18, and Rpl11/uL5) before being incorporated into the pre-60S subunit. However, when ribosome synthesis is disturbed, a free 5S RNP can enter the MDM2–p53 pathway to regulate cell cycle and apoptotic signaling. Here we reconstitute and determine the cryo-EM structure of the conserved hexameric 5S RNP with fungal or human factors. This reveals how the nascent 5S rRNA associates with the initial nuclear import complex Syo1–uL18–uL5, and upon further recruitment of two nucleolar factors Rpf2–Rrs1 develops into the 5S RNP precursor that can assemble into the pre-ribosome. In addition, we elucidate the structure of another 5S RNP intermediate, carrying the human ubiquitin ligase Mdm2, which unraveled how this enzyme can be sequestered from its target substrate p53. Our data provide molecular insight into how the 5S RNP can mediate between ribosome biogenesis and cell proliferation.
