Control of RNA Binding Proteins During Early Embryogenesis

The maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) is a conserved step in animal development, where control is passed from the maternal to the zygotic genome. Although the MZT is typically considered from its impact on the transcriptome, we previously found that three maternally deposited Drosophila RNA binding proteins (ME31B, Trailer Hitch [TRAL], and Cup) are also cleared during the MZT by unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that these proteins are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Marie Kondo, an E2 conjugating enzyme, and the E3 CTLH ligase are required for the destruction of ME31B, TRAL, and Cup. Structure modeling of the Drosophila CTLH complex suggests that substrate recognition is different than orthologous complexes. Despite occurring hours earlier, egg activation mediates clearance of these proteins through the Pan Gu kinase, which stimulates translation of Kondo mRNA. Clearance of the maternal protein dowry thus appears to be a coordinated, but as-yet underappreciated, aspect of the MZT.

Speaker Information

Olivia S. Rissland, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
RNA Bioscience Initiative | Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics
University of Colorado School of Medicine

For more information regarding Dr. Rissland, please visit http://www.risslandlab.com/

Time & Location

12:00 pm on Zoom

Registration is free. To sign up, please email Courtney Zirkle at courtney.zirkle@vai.org. After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link and passcode.

VAI Host: Leena Kariapper (Graduate Student Association)

Questions?

For questions, please contact Kim Cousineau at 616.234.5684.