This Enzyme Rewrites RNA & Control Protein Synthesis

New findings about nuclear speckles show they're more than just storage for RNA splicing factors. These clusters are packed with proteins involved in transcription, mRNA changes, and more. This links them closely to RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-driven transcription.

Researchers focused on dyskerin, an enzyme found in these speckles. They explored its association with the H/ACA complex, its role in mRNA pseudouridylation, and its influence on gene expression. High-throughput sequencing revealed the H/ACA complex works across the genome, modifying mRNA. This tweak slows down mRNA translation, and when dyskerin's role is missing, protein production revs up.

Significantly, this process is off-balance in dyskeratosis congenita patients with dyskerin issues. This suggests mRNA pseudouridylation plays a crucial part in the disorder's mechanisms. The study proposes a new idea: mRNA pseudouridylation by the H/ACA complex during transcription might help align transcription and translation activities.