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C. elegans germ granules require both assembly and localized regulators for mRNA repression

Author

Listed:
  • Scott Takeo Aoki

    (Indiana University
    University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Tina R. Lynch

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Sarah L. Crittenden

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison
    University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Craig A. Bingman

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Marvin Wickens

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Judith Kimble

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison
    University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Abstract

Cytoplasmic RNA–protein (RNP) granules have diverse biophysical properties, from liquid to solid, and play enigmatic roles in RNA metabolism. Nematode P granules are paradigmatic liquid droplet granules and central to germ cell development. Here we analyze a key P granule scaffolding protein, PGL-1, to investigate the functional relationship between P granule assembly and function. Using a protein–RNA tethering assay, we find that reporter mRNA expression is repressed when recruited to PGL-1. We determine the crystal structure of the PGL-1 N-terminal region to 1.5 Å, discover its dimerization, and identify key residues at the dimer interface. Mutations of those interface residues prevent P granule assembly in vivo, de-repress PGL-1 tethered mRNA, and reduce fertility. Therefore, PGL-1 dimerization lies at the heart of both P granule assembly and function. Finally, we identify the P granule-associated Argonaute WAGO-1 as crucial for repression of PGL-1 tethered mRNA. We conclude that P granule function requires both assembly and localized regulators.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Takeo Aoki & Tina R. Lynch & Sarah L. Crittenden & Craig A. Bingman & Marvin Wickens & Judith Kimble, 2021. "C. elegans germ granules require both assembly and localized regulators for mRNA repression," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21278-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21278-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Wenjun Chen & Jordan S. Brown & Tao He & Wei-Sheng Wu & Shikui Tu & Zhiping Weng & Donglei Zhang & Heng-Chi Lee, 2022. "GLH/VASA helicases promote germ granule formation to ensure the fidelity of piRNA-mediated transcriptome surveillance," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.

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