It takes two (Las1 HEPN Endoribonuclease Motifs) to cut the RNA right

Las1 is an essential endoribonuclease that is well-conserved across eukaryotes and a newly established member of the HEPN (higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide-binding) nuclease family. HEPN nucleases participate in diverse RNA cleavage pathways and share a short HEPN nuclease motif important for RNA cleavage. While most HEPN nucleases participate in stress activated RNA cleavage pathways, Las1 plays a fundamental role in processing the pre-ribosomal RNA. Underscoring the significance of Las1 function, mutations to the LAS1L gene have been associated with neurological dysfunction. Two juxtaposed Las1 HEPN nuclease motifs create its composite nuclease active site, however the roles of the individual HEPN residues are poorly defined. Here we show through a combination of in vivo and in vitro studies that both Las1 HEPN nuclease motifs are required for nuclease activity and fidelity. Through in-depth sequence analysis and systematic mutagenesis, we define the consensus Las1 HEPN nuclease motif and uncover its canonical and specialized elements. Using reconstituted Las1 HEPN-HEPNchimeras, we define the molecular requirements for RNA cleavage. Intriguingly, both copies of the Las1 HEPN motif are necessary for nuclease specificity revealing that both HEPN motifs participate in coordinating the RNA within the active site. Taken together, our work reveals critical information about HEPN nuclease function and establishes that HEPN nucleases can be re-wired to cleave alternative RNA substrates.