Projects per year
Abstract
The m7G cap is ubiquitous on RNAPII-transcribed RNA and has fundamental roles in eukaryotic gene expression, however its in vivo role in mammals has remained unknown. Here, we identified the m7G cap methyltransferase, RNMT, as a key mediator of T cell activation, which specifically regulates ribosome production. During T cell activation, induction of mRNA expression and ribosome biogenesis drives metabolic reprogramming, rapid proliferation and differentiation generating effector populations. We report that RNMT is induced by T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and co-ordinates the mRNA, snoRNA and rRNA production required for ribosome biogenesis. Using transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, we demonstrate that RNMT selectively regulates the expression of terminal polypyrimidine tract (TOP) mRNAs, targets of the m7G-cap binding protein LARP1. The expression of LARP1 targets and snoRNAs involved in ribosome biogenesis is selectively compromised in Rnmt cKO CD4 T cells resulting in decreased ribosome synthesis, reduced translation rates and proliferation failure. By enhancing ribosome abundance, upregulation of RNMT co-ordinates mRNA capping and processing with increased translational capacity during T cell activation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 6722-6738 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Nucleic Acids Research |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 12 |
Early online date | 14 Jun 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 9 Jul 2021 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
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Dive into the research topics of 'Upregulation of RNA cap methyltransferase RNMT drives ribosome biogenesis during T cell activation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 5 Finished
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mRNA Cap: Directing Cell Function and Fate (Wolfson Research Merit Award)
Cowling, V. (Investigator)
1/07/18 → 30/06/23
Project: Research
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mRNA Cap Regulation and Function in CD8 T Cells (TCAPS)
Cowling, V. (Investigator)
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
1/05/18 → 1/05/22
Project: Research
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Investigating MRNA Methyl Cap Regulation, Function and Therapeutic Potential (Senior Non-Clinical Fellowship)
Cowling, V. (Investigator)
1/01/14 → 31/12/21
Project: Research