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Identification of a sno‐like RNA in Haloferax volcanii
Author(s) -
Williams Meghan,
Nist Richard,
GinnPease Margaret E.,
Hemmingsen Jens,
Daniels Charles J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.993.2
Subject(s) - haloferax volcanii , transfer rna , biology , rna , gene , methylation , microbiology and biotechnology , small rna , genetics , biochemistry , archaea
A putative sno‐like RNA (sRNA) has been identified and characterized in Haloferax volcanii (Hvo) , a moderately halophilic archaeon. Based on its sequence characteristics and the mechanism of snoRNA‐mediated modifications, this sRNA would target 2’‐O‐ribose methylation of cytidine‐34 in Hvo methionine tRNA. Bioinformatics studies have identified the sRNA gene sequence in all known halophilic archaeal genomes. RT‐PCR and Northern blot analysis have detected expression of the sRNA with a length of 120 nucleotides. RT‐PCR results also show that the sRNA is initially transcribed as part of the 3’ untranslated region of an mRNA and is subsequently processed. A mutant strain of Hvo lacking the sRNA gene exhibits normal growth, indicating that the sRNA‐mediated modification is not essential for viability. This study advances understanding of RNA processing in archaea.