Publications by authors named "Katherine Senn"

Article Synopsis
  • Pre-mRNA splicing involves two key steps: 5' splice site cleavage and the ligation of exons, influenced by specific proteins called first and second step factors.
  • Researchers identified Fyv6 (FAM192A in humans) as a second step factor affecting splicing, and their RNA sequencing analysis revealed that its loss activates non-consensus splice sites across the transcriptome.
  • High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy showed that Fyv6 interacts uniquely with the Prp22 ATPase and its binding excludes another factor (Yju2), leading to a proposed model where Fyv6 enhances the use of traditional splice sites and aids in exon ligation.
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Pre-mRNA splicing, the removal of introns and ligation of flanking exons, is a crucial step in eukaryotic gene expression. The spliceosome, a macromolecular complex made up of five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and dozens of proteins, assembles on introns via a complex pathway before catalyzing the two transesterification reactions necessary for splicing. All of these steps have the potential to be highly regulated to ensure correct mRNA isoform production for proper cellular function.

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Pre-mRNA splicing is catalyzed in two steps: 5' splice site (SS) cleavage and exon ligation. A number of proteins transiently associate with spliceosomes to specifically impact these steps (1 and 2 step factors). We recently identified Fyv6 (FAM192A in humans) as a 2 step factor in ; however, we did not determine how widespread Fyv6's impact is on the transcriptome.

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Small proteins (<50 amino acids) are emerging as ubiquitous and important regulators in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans, where they commonly bind to and regulate larger proteins during stress responses. However, fundamental aspects of small proteins, such as their molecular mechanism of action, downregulation after they are no longer needed, and their evolutionary provenance, are poorly understood. Here, we show that the MntS small protein involved in manganese (Mn) homeostasis binds and inhibits the MntP Mn transporter.

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Precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is an essential process for gene expression in eukaryotes catalyzed by the spliceosome in two transesterification steps. The spliceosome is a large, highly dynamic complex composed of five small nuclear RNAs and dozens of proteins, some of which are needed throughout the splicing reaction while others only act during specific stages. The human protein FAM192A was recently proposed to be a splicing factor that functions during the second transesterification step, exon ligation, based on analysis of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) density.

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Unlabelled: Small proteins (< 50 amino acids) are emerging as ubiquitous and important regulators in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans, where they commonly bind to and regulate larger proteins during stress responses. However, fundamental aspects of small proteins, such as their molecular mechanism of action, downregulation after they are no longer needed, and their evolutionary provenance are poorly understood. Here we show that the MntS small protein involved in manganese (Mn) homeostasis binds and inhibits the MntP Mn transporter.

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Trust is a key component of social interaction. Older adults, however, often exhibit excessive trust relative to younger adults. One explanation is that older adults may learn to trust differently than younger adults.

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Precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is an essential process for gene expression in eukaryotes catalyzed by the spliceosome in two transesterification steps. The spliceosome is a large, highly dynamic complex composed of 5 small nuclear RNAs and dozens of proteins, some of which are needed throughout the splicing reaction while others only act during specific stages. The human protein FAM192A was recently proposed to be a splicing factor that functions during the second transesterification step, exon ligation, based on analysis of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) density.

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The GLUT () family of membrane-associated transporters are described as glucose transporters. However, this family is divided into three classes and, though the regulated transporter activity of class I proteins is becoming better understood, class III protein functions continue to be obscure. We have cataloged the relative expression and splicing of mRNA isomers in tumors and normal tissues, with a focus on breast tumors and cell lines.

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Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace nutrient for organisms because of its role in cofactoring enzymes and providing protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Many bacteria require manganese to form pathogenic or symbiotic interactions with eukaryotic host cells. However, excess manganese is toxic, requiring cells to have manganese export mechanisms.

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