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Biology subjects

Hannigan, M. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Hannigan, M. M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Quantitative proteomics links the LRRC59 interactome to mRNA translation on the ER membrane

Protein synthesis on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) requires the dynamic coordination of resident membrane proteins and cytoplasmic translation factors. While ER membrane proteins functioning in ribosome association, mRNA anchoring, and protein translocation, have been identified, little is known regarding the higher order organization of ER-localized translation. Here we utilized proximity proteomics to identify neighboring protein networks for the ribosome interactors SEC61{beta}, RPN1, SEC62, and LRRC59. Whereas the SEC61{beta} and RPN1 BioID reporters revealed translocon-associated networks, the SEC62 and LRRC59 reporters identified divergent interactome networks of previously unexplored functions. Notably, the SEC62 interactome is enriched in redox-linked proteins and ER luminal chaperones, whereas the LRRC59 interactome is enriched in SRP pathway components, translation factors, and ER-localized RNA-binding proteins. Analysis of the LRRC59 interactome by native immunoprecipitation identified similar protein and functional enrichments. Combined, these data reveal a functional domain organization for the ER and suggest a key role for LRRC59 in the organization of mRNA translation on the ER. SummaryHannigan et al. characterize the protein interactomes of four ER ribosome-binding proteins, providing evidence that ER-bound ribosomes reside in distinct molecular environments. Their data link SEC62 to ER redox regulation and chaperone trafficking, and suggest a role for LRRC59 in SRP-coupled protein synthesis.

cell biology↗

PTBP2-dependent alternative splicing regulates protein transport and mitochondria morphology in post-meiotic germ cells.

The RNA binding protein PTBP2 (polypyrimidine tract binding protein 2) is a key regulator of tissue-specific alternative RNA splicing. In the testis, PTBP2 is expressed in meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells (spermatocytes and spermatids, respectively). In these cells, PTBP2 is required for proper alternative mRNA splicing for over 200 genes, disproportionately affecting genes encoding proteins involved in protein trafficking via transport vesicles. In this study, we used electron microscopy to test the hypothesis that protein trafficking is impaired in the absence of PTBP2, and to further investigate why spermatogenesis abruptly ceases in PTBP2-deficienct spermatids. Ultrastructural analysis shows that protein trafficking in spermatids is aberrant in the absence of PTBP2. Unexpectedly, we also found that mitochondria morphology and number are significantly altered in PTBP2-deficient spermatids, consistent with increased mitochondria fission. Furthermore, we show that genes with key roles in mitochondria dynamics and function are post-transcriptionally regulated by PTBP2 and in different stages of spermatogenesis. Collectively, the data provide ultrastructural evidence that alternative splicing regulation by PTBP2 during spermatogenesis is critical for proper regulation of protein trafficking and mitochondria morphology.

developmental biology↗

Dazl regulates germ cell survival through a network of polyA proximal mRNA interactions

The RNA binding protein Dazl is essential for gametogenesis, but its direct in vivo functions, RNA targets, and the molecular basis for germ cell loss in DAZL null mice are unknown. Here, we mapped transcriptome-wide Dazl-RNA interactions in vivo, revealing Dazl binding to thousands of mRNAs via polyA-proximal 3UTR interactions. In parallel, fluorescence activated cell sorting and RNA-Seq identified mRNAs sensitive to Dazl deletion in male germ cells. Despite binding a broad set of mRNAs, integrative analyses indicate that Dazl post-transcriptionally controls only a subset of its mRNA targets, namely those corresponding to a network of genes critical for germ cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, we provide evidence that polyA sequences have key roles in specifying Dazl-RNA interactions across the transcriptome. Altogether, our results reveal a mechanism for Dazl-RNA binding, and illustrate that Dazl functions as a master regulator of a post-transcriptional mRNA program essential for germ cell survival.

molecular biology↗