Requirement for intron-encoded U22 small nucleolar RNA in 18S ribosomal RNA maturation

Science. 1994 Dec 2;266(5190):1558-61. doi: 10.1126/science.7985025.

Abstract

The nucleoli of vertebrate cells contain a number of small RNAs that are generated by the processing of intron fragments of protein-coding gene transcripts. The host gene (UHG) for intro-encoded human U22 is unusual in that it specifies a polyadenylated but apparently noncoding RNA. Depletion of U22 from Xenopus oocytes by oligonucleotide-directed ribonuclease H targeting prevented the processing of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) at both ends. The appearance of 18S rRNA was restored by injection of in vitro-synthesized U22 RNA. These results identify a cellular function for an intron-encoded small RNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Cell Nucleolus / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Introns*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism*
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • RNA, Nuclear / chemistry
  • RNA, Nuclear / genetics*
  • RNA, Nuclear / physiology*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Nuclear / chemistry
  • RNA, Small Nuclear / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Nuclear / physiology*
  • Xenopus

Substances

  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Nuclear
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
  • RNA, Small Nuclear

Associated data

  • GENBANK/L36586
  • GENBANK/L36587
  • GENBANK/L36588