Poly(A) binding protein is required for mRNP remodeling to form P-bodies in mammalian cells

Abstract

Compartmentalization of mRNA through formation of RNA granules is involved in many cellular processes, yet it is not well understood. mRNP complexes undergo dramatic changes in protein compositions, reflected by markers of P-bodies and stress granules. Here, we show that PABPC1, albeit absent in P-bodies, plays important role in P-body formation. Depletion of PABPC1 decreases P-body population in unstressed cells. Upon stress in PABPC1 depleted cells, individual P-bodies fail to form and instead P-body proteins assemble on PABPC1-containing stress granules. We hypothesize that mRNP recruit proteins via PABPC1 to assemble P-bodies, before PABPC1 is displaced from mRNP. Further, we demonstrate that GW182 can mediate P-body assembly. These findings help us understand the early stages of mRNP remodeling and P-body formation. Summary statementA novel role of poly(A) binding protein is reported in P-body formation