Widespread Co-translational RNA Decay Reveals Ribosome Dynamics

Pelechano V, Wei W, Steinmetz LM

Cell 161 (6) 1400-1412 [2015-06-00; online 2015-06-00]

It is generally assumed that mRNAs undergoing translation are protected from decay. Here, we show that mRNAs are, in fact, co-translationally degraded. This is a widespread and conserved process affecting most genes, where 5'-3' transcript degradation follows the last translating ribosome, producing an in vivo ribosomal footprint. By sequencing the ends of 5' phosphorylated mRNA degradation intermediates, we obtain a genome-wide drug-free measurement of ribosome dynamics. We identify general translation termination pauses in both normal and stress conditions. In addition, we describe novel codon-specific ribosomal pausing sites in response to oxidative stress that are dependent on the RNase Rny1. Our approach is simple and straightforward and does not require the use of translational inhibitors or in vitro RNA footprinting that can alter ribosome protection patterns.

SciLifeLab Fellow

Vicent Pelechano

PubMed 26046441

DOI 10.1016/j.cell.2015.05.008

Crossref 10.1016/j.cell.2015.05.008


Publications 9.5.0