The study of RNA-protein interactions is crucial to understanding the mechanisms and control of gene expression and protein synthesis. The realization that RNAs are often far more biologically active than was previously appreciated has stimulated a great deal of new research in this field. Uniquely, in this book, the world's leading researchers have collaborated to produce a comprehensive and current review of RNA-protein interactions for all scientists working in this area. Timely, comprehensive, and authoritative, this new Frontiers title will be invaluable for all researchers in molecular biology, biochemistry and structural biology.
In eukaryotic cells, the nuclear genome and its transcriptional apparatus is separated from the site of protein synthesis by the nuclear envelope. Thus, a constant flow of proteins and nucleic acids has to cross the nuclear envelope in both directions. This transport in and out of the nucleus is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and occurs in an energy and signal-dependent manner. Thus, nucleocytoplasmic translocation of macro molecules across the nuclear envelope appears to be a highly specific and regulated process. Viruses that replicate their genome in the cell nucleus are therefore forced to develop efficient ways to deal with the intracellulZlr host cell transport machinery. Historically, investigation of Polyomavirus replication allowed identification ofsequences that mediate nuclear import, which led subsequently to our detailed understanding of the cellular factors that are involved in nuclear import. Transport ofmacromolecules in the opposite direction, however, is less well understood. The investigation of retroviral gene expression in recent years pro vided the first insights into the cellular mechanisms that regulate nuclear export. In particular, the detailed dissection of the function of the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-I) Rev trans-activator protein identified CRMI, as a hona fide nuclear export receptor. CRM I appears to be involved in the nucleocytoplasmic translocation of the vast majority of viral and cellular proteins that have subsequently been found to contain a Rev-type leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES).
In eukaryotic cells, the nuclear genome and its transcriptional apparatus is separated from the site of protein synthesis by the nuclear envelope. Thus, a constant flow of proteins and nucleic acids has to cross the nuclear envelope in both directions. This transport in and out of the nucleus is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and occurs in an energy and signal-dependent manner. Thus, nucleocytoplasmic translocation of macro molecules across the nuclear envelope appears to be a highly specific and regulated process. Viruses that replicate their genome in the cell nucleus are therefore forced to develop efficient ways to deal with the intracellulZlr host cell transport machinery. Historically, investigation of Polyomavirus replication allowed identification ofsequences that mediate nuclear import, which led subsequently to our detailed understanding of the cellular factors that are involved in nuclear import. Transport ofmacromolecules in the opposite direction, however, is less well understood. The investigation of retroviral gene expression in recent years pro vided the first insights into the cellular mechanisms that regulate nuclear export. In particular, the detailed dissection of the function of the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-I) Rev trans-activator protein identified CRMI, as a hona fide nuclear export receptor. CRM I appears to be involved in the nucleocytoplasmic translocation of the vast majority of viral and cellular proteins that have subsequently been found to contain a Rev-type leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES).
Within the past two decades, extraordinary new functions for the nucleolus have begun to appear, giving the field a new vitality and generating renewed excitement and interest. These new discoveries include both newly-discovered functions and aspects of its conventional role. The Nucleolus is divided into three parts: nucleolar structure and organization, the role of the nucleolus in ribosome biogenesis, and novel functions of the nucleolus.
Chromatin Regulation and Dynamics integrates knowledge on the dynamic regulation of primary chromatin fiber with the 3D nuclear architecture, then connects related processes to circadian regulation of cellular metabolic states, representing a paradigm of adaptation to environmental changes. The final chapters discuss the many ways chromatin dynamics can synergize to fundamentally contribute to the development of complex diseases. Chromatin dynamics, which is strategically positioned at the gene-environment interface, is at the core of disease development. As such, Chromatin Regulation and Dynamics, part of the Translational Epigenetics series, facilitates the flow of information between research areas such as chromatin regulation, developmental biology, and epidemiology by focusing on recent findings of the fast-moving field of chromatin regulation. - Presents and discusses novel principles of chromatin regulation and dynamics with a cross-disciplinary perspective - Promotes crosstalk between basic sciences and their applications in medicine - Provides a framework for future studies on complex diseases by integrating various aspects of chromatin biology with cellular metabolic states, with an emphasis on the dynamic nature of chromatin and stochastic principles - Integrates knowledge on the dynamic regulation of primary chromatin fiber with 3D nuclear architecture, then connects related processes to circadian regulation of cellular metabolic states, representing a paradigm of adaptation to environmental changes
Bidirectional traffic of macromolecules across the nuclear envelope is an active and essential transport process in all eukaryotic cells. Work on various model systems has led to a tremendous increase in our understanding of nuclear transport in recent years. This volume summarizes our current knowledge of protein and RNA transport into and out of the nucleus. It contains nine up-to-date reviews which cover various aspects of nucleocytoplasmic transport, including the structure and function of the nuclear pore complex, the role of soluble transport factors in protein and RNA transport, and the regulation of protein transport through the nuclear pore.
mRNA METABOLISM & POST-TRANSCRIPTIONAL GENE REGULATION Edited by Joe B. Harford and David R. Morris Gene expression is a process that begins with the transcription ofDNA to an RNA messenger (mRNA), which is then translated into aprotein. Historically, attention has been focused on the regulationof RNA synthesis (transcription); however, there is a growingrecognition of and appreciation for the importance of the manyregulatory mechanisms that take place after RNA synthesis has beencompleted. mRNA Metabolism and Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation is thefirst comprehensive overview of the various modes of generegulation that exist post-transcriptionally. Collecting studies bysome of the top researchers in the field, this volume provides bothan up-to-date review of the complex "life" of an mRNA molecule andan introduction to current work on the diversity of mechanisms ofpost-transcriptional reactions. Topics covered include: * RNA structure * Mammalian RNA editing * RNA export from the nucleus * The fundamentals of translation initiation * Control of mRNA decay in plants * mRNA metabolism and cancer * Control of mRNA stability during herpes simplex virus infection * Regulation of mRNA expression in HIV-1 and other complexretroviruses * Nucleases * RNA localization A timely contribution to the understanding of genetic regulatorymechanisms, mRNA Metabolism and Post-Transcriptional GeneRegulation provides a basis from which potential therapeuticstrategies may be developed. This book will be of vital interest tocell and molecular biologists at all levels, from graduate studentsto senior investigators, clinical researchers, and professionals inthe pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Nuclear Import and Export in Plants and Animals provides insight into the remarkable mechanisms of nuclear import and export. This book covers a range of topics from the nuclear pore structure, to nuclear import and export of macromolecules in plant and animal cells. In addition, the book covers the special cases of nuclear import of Agrobacterium T-DNA during plant genetic transformation, nuclear import and export of animal viruses, and nuclear intake of foreign DNA. A chapter on research methods to study nuclear transport concludes the book.
Negative-strand RNA viruses, so named because of the polarity of their genomic RNA to mRNA, include important human and non-human pathogens. This volume covers major advances in reverse genetics techniques over the past decade, state-of-the-art basic science and the clinical implications of experimental findings. This should rekindle interest in negative-strand RNA viruses among readers, including those in other disciplines, leading to further progress in understanding these important viruses and in developing effective measures of control.
