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The structure of NoRC‐associated RNA is crucial for targeting the chromatin remodelling complex NoRC to the nucleolus
Author(s) -
Mayer Christine,
Neubert Melanie,
Grummt Ingrid
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1038/embor.2008.109
Subject(s) - biology , chromatin , nucleolus , rna , chromatin remodeling , ribosomal rna , rna silencing , gene silencing , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , rna interference , nucleus
Silencing of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) requires binding of the chromatin remodelling complex NoRC to RNA that is complementary to the rDNA promoter. NoRC‐associated RNA (pRNA) folds into a conserved stem–loop structure that is required for nucleolar localization and rDNA silencing. Mutations that disrupt the stem–loop structure impair binding of TIP5, the large subunit of NoRC, to pRNA and abolish targeting of NoRC to nucleoli. Binding to pRNA results in a conformational change of TIP5, as shown by enhanced sensitivity of TIP5 towards trypsin digestion. Our results indicate an RNA‐dependent mechanism that targets NoRC to chromatin and facilitates the interaction with co‐repressors that promote heterochromatin formation and rDNA silencing.