Pontin is localized in nucleolar fibrillar centers

Chromosoma. 2008 Oct;117(5):487-97. doi: 10.1007/s00412-008-0170-8. Epub 2008 Jun 12.

Abstract

Pontin is a multifunctional protein having roles in various cellular processes including regulation of gene expression. Here, we addressed Pontin intracellular localization using two different monoclonal antibodies directed against different Pontin epitopes. For the first time, Pontin was directly visualized in nucleoli where it co-localizes with Upstream Binding Factor and RNA polymerase I. Nucleolar localization of Pontin was confirmed by its detection in nucleolar extracts and by electron microscopy, which revealed Pontin accumulation specifically in the nucleolar fibrillar centers. Pontin localization in the nucleolus was dynamic and Pontin accumulated in large nucleolar dots mainly during S-phase. Pontin concentration in the large nucleolar dots correlated with reduced transcriptional activity of nucleoli. In addition, Pontin was found to associate with RNA polymerase I and to interact in a complex with c-Myc with rDNA sequences indicating that Pontin is involved in the c-Myc-dependent regulation of rRNA synthesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleolus / enzymology*
  • Cell Nucleolus / ultrastructure
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Pol1 Transcription Initiation Complex Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase I / metabolism
  • RNA, Ribosomal / biosynthesis
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Pol1 Transcription Initiation Complex Proteins
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • transcription factor UBF
  • RNA Polymerase I
  • ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities
  • DNA Helicases
  • RUVBL1 protein, human