The T Body, a New Cytoplasmic RNA Granule in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

A large share of mRNA processing and packaging events occurs cotranscriptionally. To explore the hypothesis that transcription defects may affect mRNA fate, we analyzed poly(A)(+) RNA distribution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains harboring mutations in Rpb1p, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. In certain rpb1 mutants, a poly(A)(+) RNA granule, distinct from any known structure, strongly accumulated in a confined space of the cytoplasm. RNA and protein expressed from Ty1 retrovirus-like elements colocalized with this new granule, which we have consequently named the T body. A visual screen revealed that the deletion of most genes with proposed functions in Ty1 biology unexpectedly does not alter T-body levels. In contrast, the deletion of genes encoding the Mediator transcription initiation factor subunits Srb2p and Srb5p as well as the Ty1 transcriptional regulator Spt21p greatly enhances T-body formation. Our data disclose a new cellular body putatively involved in the assembly of Ty1 particles and suggest that the cytoplasmic fate of mRNA can be affected by transcription initiation events.