The DEAD-box helicase RCF1 plays roles in miRNA biogenesis and RNA splicing in Arabidopsis

Plant J. 2023 Oct;116(1):144-160. doi: 10.1111/tpj.16366. Epub 2023 Aug 16.

Abstract

RCF1 is a highly conserved DEAD-box RNA helicase found in yeast, plants, and mammals. Studies about the functions of RCF1 in plants are limited. Here, we uncovered the functions of RCF1 in Arabidopsis thaliana as a player in pri-miRNA processing and splicing, as well as in pre-mRNA splicing. A mutant with miRNA biogenesis defects was isolated, and the defect was traced to a recessive point mutation in RCF1 (rcf1-4). We show that RCF1 promotes D-body formation and facilitates the interaction between pri-miRNAs and HYL1. Finally, we show that intron-containing pri-miRNAs and pre-mRNAs exhibit a global splicing defect in rcf1-4. Together, this work uncovers roles for RCF1 in miRNA biogenesis and RNA splicing in Arabidopsis.

Keywords: Arabidopsis; DEAD-box RNA helicase; RNA splicing; miRNA; miRNA biogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis Proteins* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins* / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis* / metabolism
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • RNA Splicing / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases
  • HYL1 protein, Arabidopsis
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • RCF1 protein, Arabidopsis