Science Bulletin, 24 May, 2023, DOI：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2023.05.029

RNA-binding protein complex AMG-1/SLRP-1 mediates germline development and spermatogenesis by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Peng Wang, Qiushi Wang, Lianwan Chen, Zheng Cao, Hailian Zhao, Ruibao Su, Ning Wang, Xiaojing Ma, Jin Shan, Xinyan Chen, Qi Zhang, Baochen Du, Zhiheng Yuan, Yanmei Zhao, Xiaorong Zhang, Xuejiang Guo, Yuanchao Xue, Long Miao

Abstract

The mechanisms of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs)-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of pre-existing mRNAs, which is essential for spermatogenesis, remain poorly understood. In this study, we identify that a germline-specific mitochondrial RBP AMG-1(abnormal mitochondria in germline 1), a homolog of mammalian leucine-rich PPR motif-containing protein (LRPPRC), is required for spermatogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. The amg-1 mutation hinders germline development without affecting somatic development and leads to the aberrant mitochondrial morphology and structure associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions specifically in the germline. We demonstrate that AMG-1 is most frequently bound to mtDNA-encoded 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA, the essential components of mitochondrial ribosomes, and that 12S rRNA expression mediated by AMG-1 is crucial for germline mitochondrial protein homeostasis. Furthermore, steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA) stem loop interacting RNA binding protein (SLRP-1), a homolog of mammalian SRA stem loop interacting RNA binding protein (SLIRP) in C. elegans, interacts with AMG-1 genetically to regulate germline development and reproductive success in C. elegans. Overall, these findings reveal the novel function of mtRBP, specifically in regulating germline development.

Article link：https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095927323003481?via%3Dihub