Abstract
Ribosomes, the large RNPs that translate mRNA into protein in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, are synthesized in a subcompartment of the nucleus, the nucleolus. There, transcription by Pol I yields a pre-rRNA which is modified, cleaved and assembled with ribosomal proteins to make functional ribosomes. Previously, rRNA transcription and pre-rRNA cleavage in eukaryotes were considered to be separable steps in gene expression. However, recent findings suggest that these two steps in gene expression can be concurrent and are co-regulated. Unexpectedly, optimal rDNA transcription requires the presence of a defined subset of components of the pre-rRNA processing machinery.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
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Genes, rRNA / genetics*
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Models, Biological
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RNA Polymerase I / metabolism
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RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / physiology*
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RNA, Ribosomal / genetics
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RNA, Ribosomal / metabolism*
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RNA, Ribosomal / ultrastructure
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Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nucleolar / metabolism
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Ribosomes / metabolism
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
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Transcription, Genetic*
Substances
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RNA, Ribosomal
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Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nucleolar
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RNA Polymerase I