Abstract
To identify regulators of AU-rich element (ARE)-dependent mRNA turnover we have followed a genetic approach using a mutagenized cell line (slowC) that fails to degrade cytokine mRNA. Accordingly, a GFP reporter construct whose mRNA is under control of the ARE from interleukin-3 gives an increased fluorescence signal in slowC. Here we describe rescue of slowC by a retroviral cDNA library. Flow cytometry allowed us to isolate revertants with reconstituted rapid mRNA decay. The cDNA was identified as butyrate response factor-1 (BRF1), encoding a zinc finger protein homologous to tristetraprolin. Mutant slowC carries frame-shift mutations in both BRF1 alleles, whereas slowB with intermediate decay kinetics is heterozygous. By use of small interfering (si)RNA, independent evidence for an active role of BRF1 in mRNA degradation was obtained. In transiently transfected NIH 3T3 cells, BRF1 accelerated mRNA decay and antagonized the stabilizing effect of PI3-kinase, while mutation of the zinc fingers abolished both function and ARE-binding activity. This approach, which identified BRF1 as an essential regulator of ARE-dependent mRNA decay, should also be applicable to other cis-elements of mRNA turnover.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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3' Untranslated Regions / genetics*
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3T3 Cells
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Animals
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Butyrate Response Factor 1
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Cloning, Molecular
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Codon, Nonsense
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Cytokines / genetics
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DNA, Complementary / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins*
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Fibrosarcoma / chemistry
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Fibrosarcoma / pathology
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Frameshift Mutation
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Genes, Reporter
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Genetic Complementation Test
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Humans
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Immediate-Early Proteins / analysis
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Immediate-Early Proteins / chemistry
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Mice
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Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
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Neoplasm Proteins / isolation & purification
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Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
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RNA Stability*
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
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RNA, Small Interfering
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RNA, Untranslated / metabolism
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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Subcellular Fractions / chemistry
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TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors
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Transcription Factor TFIIIB*
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Transcription Factors / genetics*
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Transcription Factors / isolation & purification
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Transcription Factors / physiology*
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Transfection
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Tristetraprolin
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Tumor Cells, Cultured / chemistry
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Zinc Fingers / genetics
Substances
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3' Untranslated Regions
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BRF1 protein, S cerevisiae
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BRF1 protein, human
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Butyrate Response Factor 1
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Codon, Nonsense
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Cytokines
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DNA, Complementary
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Immediate-Early Proteins
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Small Interfering
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RNA, Untranslated
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
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TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors
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Transcription Factor TFIIIB
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Transcription Factors
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Tristetraprolin
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ZFP36 protein, human
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Zfp36 protein, mouse