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RNA metabolism guided by RNA modifications: The role of SMUG1 in rRNA quality control

Abstract

RNA modifications are essential for proper RNA processing, quality control, and maturation steps. In the last decade, some eukaryotic DNA repair enzymes have been shown to have an ability to recognize and process modified RNA substrates and thereby contribute to RNA surveillance. Single-strand-selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase 1 (SMUG1) is a base excision repair enzyme that not only recognizes and removes uracil and oxidized pyrimidines from DNA but is also able to process modified RNA substrates. SMUG1 interacts with the pseudouridine synthase dyskerin (DKC1), an enzyme essential for the correct assembly of small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing. Here, we review rRNA modifications and RNA quality control mechanisms in general and discuss the specific function of SMUG1 in rRNA metabolism. Cells lacking SMUG1 have elevated levels of immature rRNA molecules and accumulation of 5-hydroxymethyluridine (5hmU) in mature rRNA. SMUG1 may be required for post-transcriptional regulation and quality control of rRNAs, partly by regulating rRNA and stability.
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Category

Academic literature review

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Lisa Lirussi
  • Özlem Demir
  • Panpan You
  • Antonio Sarno
  • Rommie E. Amaro
  • Hilde Nilsen

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Ocean / Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry
  • University of Oslo
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • Akershus University Hospital Trust
  • University of California, San Diego

Year

2021

Published in

Biomolecules

Volume

11

Issue

1

Page(s)

1 - 22

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository