Inhibitory effect of naked neural BC1 RNA or BC200 RNA on eukaryotic in vitro translation systems is reversed by poly(A)-binding protein (PABP)

J Mol Biol. 2005 Oct 14;353(1):88-103. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2005.07.049.

Abstract

Regulated protein biosynthesis in dendrites of neurons might be a key mechanism underlying learning and memory. Neuronal dendritic BC1 RNA and BC200 RNA and similar small untranslated RNAs inhibit protein translation in vitro systems, such as rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Likewise, co-transfection of these RNAs with reporter mRNA suppressed translation levels in HeLa cells. The oligo(A)-rich region of all active small RNAs were identified as the RNA domains chiefly responsible for the inhibitory effects. Addition of recombinant human poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) significantly compensated the inhibitory effect of the small oligo(A)-rich RNA. In vivo, all BC1 RNA appears to be complexed with PABP. Nevertheless, in the micro-environment of dendritic spines of neuronal cells, BC1 RNPs or BC200 RNPs might mediate regulatory functions by differential interactions with locally limited PABP and/or directly or indirectly, with other translation initiation factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell-Free System
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Biosynthesis / drug effects*
  • RNA, Small Cytoplasmic / genetics
  • RNA, Small Cytoplasmic / pharmacology*
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • BC1 RNA
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins
  • RNA, Small Cytoplasmic