Defining the impact of rRNA processing on nucleolar organization and function

Abstract

The eukaryotic nucleolus is a highly organized, multilayered structure essential for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing and ribosome assembly. However, how the sequential steps of rRNA maturation, particularly the series of endonucleolytic cleavages, contribute to maintaining nucleolar architecture remains poorly understood. Here, we show that disruption of pre-rRNA processing, especially impaired cleavage of the 5' external transcribed spacer (5'ETS), profoundly alters nucleolar organization. Specifically, defects in 5'ETS processing lead to the formation of a single large DAPI-negative nuclear structure and result in the mislocalization of nascent RNA, which diffuses throughout the disorganized nucleolus. These aberrant nucleoli exhibit a distinct proteomic profile, including downregulation of factors involved in splicing, cell cycle regulation, and chromatin organization, suggesting that the impact of nucleolar disorganization extends beyond ribosome biogenesis. Notably, we also observe mislocalization of heterochromatin markers, pointing to broader disruptions in nuclear architecture and gene regulation. Together, our findings reveal that proper 5'ETS cleavage is critical for preserving nucleolar compartmentalization and highlight the tight coupling between rRNA processing and nuclear organization.