A roadmap for rRNA folding and assembly during transcription

Trends Biochem Sci. 2021 Nov;46(11):889-901. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.05.009. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Abstract

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assembly typically begins during transcription when folding of the newly synthesized RNA is coupled with the recruitment of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Upon binding, the proteins induce structural rearrangements in the RNA that are crucial for the next steps of assembly. Focusing primarily on bacterial ribosome assembly, we discuss recent work showing that early RNA-protein interactions are more dynamic than previously supposed, and remain so, until sufficient proteins are recruited to each transcript to consolidate an entire domain of the RNP. We also review studies showing that stable assembly of an RNP competes against modification and processing of the RNA. Finally, we discuss how transcription sets the timeline for competing and cooperative RNA-RBP interactions that determine the fate of the nascent RNA. How this dance is coordinated is the focus of this review.

Keywords: RNA folding; RNA–protein interactions; cotranscriptional folding; ribosome assembly; single-molecule fluorescence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • RNA* / chemistry
  • RNA, Ribosomal* / chemistry
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • RNA