How UPF1 helicase activity facilitates mRNA decay

Abstract

mRNA decay is essential for regulated gene expression, and RNA helicases are at the core of many mRNA decay pathways. We are using the highly conserved RNA helicase, UPF1, as a model system to understand how RNA helicases regulate and execute mRNA degradation. UPF1 ATPase activity is necessary for identifying proper mRNA decay targets; however, how UPF1 translocation on RNA influences decay remains unknown. In order to test this, we first used an in silico screen to identify new UPF1 mutants with altered RNA binding properties.