Pattarawut Sopha. Investigation of catalytic properties of human IRE1αp in yeast model. Master's Degree(Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2009-07-09.
Investigation of catalytic properties of human IRE1αp in yeast model
Abstract:
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a highly conserved intracellular signaling
pathway required for stress alleviation caused by unfolded protein accumulation in
endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen. The key step for UPR activation is mediated by an
unusual splicing of mRNA encoding transcription factor Hac1p that specifically binds
to a 22 bp cis-acting element, UPRE in the promoter of UPR responsive genes. HAC1
RNA splicing is initiated by specific cleavage via endonuclease activity of Ire1p at its
intron/exon junction. Then the exons are joined by tRNA ligase enzyme prior to being
translated into a potent transcription factor. The specific seven nucleotide ring stem
loop structure as well as several conserved nucleotides presented in both 5’ and 3’
splice junctions of HAC1 mRNA are essential for the splicing reaction.
Using the well characterized yeast UPR as a model for elucidating the specific
activity of human Ire1αp, we discovered that the homologous splicing mechanism
mediated by human Ire1αp is not identical to that of yeast. Compared to the
endogenous mechanism in the yeast, a more restricted nucleotide sequence at +1
position in the seven nucleotide stem loop structure at the spliced junction in the RNA
substrate is pivotal for the RNA splicing mediated by Ire1αp. By in vitro cleavage
assay, substitution of adenine with cytosine nucleotide at the +1 position in the stem
loop of HAC1 RNA facilitated the specific cleavage of modified 3’ splice site of
HAC1 RNA by hIre1αp endonuclease. Similar nucleotide restriction of the RNA
substrate was observed in vivo. Coexpression of hIre1αp with mutated HAC1 using
yeast strain with Ire1/hac1 null loci is capable of restoring the unconventional RNA
splicing as well as the specific transcriptional up-regulation of UPR reporter gene
upon ER stress whereas coexpression of hIre1αp with wild type HAC1 failed to rescue
this pathway. Together these results underline the role of cytosine nucleotide at +1 of
HAC1 3’ splice junction as a critical residue that determines the specificity of hIre1αp
mediated mRNA splicing process.