A higher order PUF complex is central to regulation of C. elegans germline stem cells

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(1)

Published: Jan. 2, 2025

Abstract PUF RNA-binding proteins are broadly conserved stem cell regulators. Nematode maintain germline cells (GSCs) and, with key partner proteins, repress differentiation mRNAs, including gld-1 . Here we report that protein FBF-2 and its LST-1 form a ternary complex represses via pair of adjacent FBF binding elements (FBEs) in 3′UTR. One molecule links two molecules motifs the intrinsically-disordered region; FBE includes well-established ‘canonical’ newly-identified noncanonical FBE. Remarkably, this drives both full RNA repression GSCs activation upon differentiation. Discoveries LST-1–FBF-2 complex, FBEs, their vivo significance predict an expanded regulatory repertoire different assemblies PUF-partner-RNA higher order complexes nematode GSCs. This also suggests analogous controls may await discovery other biological contexts organisms.

Language: Английский

A higher order PUF complex is central to regulation ofC. elegansgermline stem cells

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 14, 2024

Abstract PUF RNA-binding proteins are broadly conserved stem cell regulators. Nematode maintain germline cells (GSCs) and, with key partner proteins, repress differentiation mRNAs, including gld-1 . Here we report that protein FBF-2 and its LST-1 form a ternary complex represses via pair of adjacent binding elements (FBEs) in 3’UTR. One molecule links two molecules motifs the intrinsically-disordered region; FBE includes well-established ‘canonical’ newly-identified noncanonical FBE. Remarkably, this drives both full RNA repression GSCs activation upon differentiation. Discovery LST-1–FBF-2 complex, FBEs, their vivo significance predicts an expanded regulatory repertoire different assemblies PUF-partner complexes nematode cells. It also suggests analogous controls may await discovery other biological contexts organisms.

Language: Английский

The PUF RNA-binding protein, FBF-2, maintains stem cells without binding to RNA

Published: Oct. 25, 2024

Abstract Like all canonical PUF proteins, C. elegans FBF-2 binds to specific RNAs via tripartite recognition motifs (TRMs). Here we report that an mutant protein cannot bind RNA, is nonetheless biologically active and maintains stem cells. This unexpected result challenges the conventional wisdom RBPs must achieve biological activity. Also unexpectedly, interactions with partner proteins can compensate for loss of RNA-binding. only loses activity when its RNA-binding are both defective. These findings highlight complementary contributions protein.

Language: Английский