Cajal body function in genome organization and transcriptome diversity. (21st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sawyer, Iain A.; Sturgill, David; Sung, Myong‐Hee; Hager, Gordon L.; Dundr, Miroslav
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 38:Number 12(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1197
• Page End: 1208
• Publication Date: 2016-10-21
• Subjects: Cajal bodies -- chromatin -- genome organization -- nuclear bodies -- RNA splicing -- snRNPs -- transcription; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract : Nuclear bodies contribute to non‐random organization of the human genome and nuclear function. Using a major prototypical nuclear body, the Cajal body, as an example, we suggest that these structures assemble at specific gene loci located across the genome as a result of high transcriptional activity. Subsequently, target genes are physically clustered in close proximity in Cajal body‐containing cells. However, Cajal bodies are observed in only a limited number of human cell types, including neuronal and cancer cells. Ultimately, Cajal body depletion perturbs splicing kinetics by reducing target small nuclear RNA (snRNA) transcription and limiting the levels of spliceosomal snRNPs, including their modification and turnover following each round of RNA splicing. As such, Cajal bodies are capable of shaping the chromatin interaction landscape and the transcriptome by influencing spliceosome kinetics. Future studies should concentrate on characterizing the direct influence of Cajal bodies upon snRNA gene transcriptional dynamics. Also see the video abstracthere . Abstract : Nuclear architecture is largely non‐random and is the product of many synergistic influences. Here, we propose that Cajal bodies contribute to the 3D structural organization of the nucleus by physically clustering target snRNA genes. In turn, this regulates spliceosomal component levels and shapes the transcriptome by regulating RNA splicing fidelity.