Abstract
Stem cell development depends on post-transcriptional regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) (Zhang et al., 1997; Forbes and Lehmann, 1998; Okano et al., 2005; Ratti et al., 2006; Kwon et al., 2013). Pumilio and FBF (PUF) family RBPs are highly conserved post-transcriptional regulators that are critical for stem cell maintenance (Wickens et al., 2002; Quenault et al., 2011). The RNA-binding domains of PUF proteins recognize a family of related sequence motifs in the target mRNAs, yet individual PUF proteins have clearly distinct biological functions (Lu et al., 2009; Wang et al., 2018). The C. elegans germline is a simple and powerful model system for analyzing regulation of stem cell development. Studies in C. elegans uncovered specific physiological roles for PUFs expressed in the germline stem cells ranging from control of proliferation and differentiation to regulation of the sperm/oocyte decision. Importantly, recent studies started to illuminate the mechanisms behind PUF functional divergence. This review summarizes the many roles of PUF-8, FBF-1, and FBF-2 in germline stem and progenitor cells (SPCs) and discusses the factors accounting for their distinct biological functions. PUF proteins are conserved in evolution, and insights into PUF-mediated regulation provided by the C. elegans model system are likely relevant for other organisms.
Highlights
Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression governs the rate of protein production through the control of key steps in mRNA life cycle
Pumilio and fem-3-binding factor (FBF) family RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have evolved as essential post-transcriptional regulators of stem cell development in eukaryotes
Three Pumilio and FBF (PUF) proteins, PUF-8, FBF1 and FBF-2, expressed in C. elegans germline mitotic region are required for many aspects of germline stem and progenitor cells (SPCs) development, and each facilitates specific aspects of SPC function
Summary
Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States. Edited by: Myon-Hee Lee, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, United States. Stem cell development depends on post-transcriptional regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) (Zhang et al, 1997; Forbes and Lehmann, 1998; Okano et al, 2005; Ratti et al, 2006; Kwon et al, 2013). The C. elegans germline is a simple and powerful model system for analyzing regulation of stem cell development. Studies in C. elegans uncovered specific physiological roles for PUFs expressed in the germline stem cells ranging from control of proliferation and differentiation to regulation of the sperm/oocyte decision. This review summarizes the many roles of PUF-8, FBF-1, and FBF-2 in germline stem and progenitor cells (SPCs) and discusses the factors accounting for their distinct biological functions.
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