Coilin levels and modifications influence artificial reporter splicing

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2008 Apr;65(7-8):1256-71. doi: 10.1007/s00018-008-7587-3.

Abstract

Cajal bodies (CBs) and Gems are nuclear domains that contain factors responsible for spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) biogenesis. The marker protein for CBs is coilin. In addition to snRNPs, coilin and other factors, canonical CBs contain the survivor of motor neuron protein (SMN). SMN can also localize to Gems. Considering the important role that coilin plays in the formation and composition of CBs, we tested the splicing efficiency of several cell lines that vary in regards to coilin level and modification using an artificial reporter substrate. We found that cells with both hypomethylated coilin and Gems are more efficient at reporter splicing compared to cells in which SMN localizes to CBs. In contrast, coilin reduction, which induces Gem formation, decreases cell proliferation and artificial reporter splicing. These findings demonstrate that coilin modifications or levels impact artificial reporter splicing, possibly by influencing snRNP biogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Coiled Bodies / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, Reporter*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism
  • RNA Splicing / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • p80-coilin