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Review
. 2017 Jun 3;14(6):671-679.
doi: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1231359. Epub 2016 Sep 14.

Cajal bodies and snRNPs - friends with benefits

David Staněk  1
Affiliations
Review

Cajal bodies and snRNPs - friends with benefits

David Staněk. RNA Biol. .

Abstract

Spliceosomal snRNPs are complex particles that proceed through a fascinating maturation pathway. Several steps of this pathway are closely linked to nuclear non-membrane structures called Cajal bodies. In this review, I summarize the last 20 y of research in this field. I primarily focus on snRNP biogenesis, specifically on the steps that involve Cajal bodies. I also evaluate the contribution of the Cajal body in snRNP quality control and discuss the role of snRNPs in Cajal body formation.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Cajal body is involved in different steps of snRNP biogenesis. First, the Integrator cleaves the 3′ end of snRNA. Then, the export complex forms at the 5′ end and snRNA is exported to the cytoplasm. After Sm ring assembly and cap hypermethylation, the core snRNP returns to the Cajal body where snRNP-specific proteins are added and U4/U6•U5 tri-snRNP forms.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
SnRNP biogenesis is closely controlled along the maturation pathway. Misfolded snRNAs are degraded by the exosome/TRAMP complex dependent pathway. Next, formation of the snRNP export complex is monitored and only the properly assembled export complex is transported to the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, snRNAs with non-functional Sm-binding site are degraded. Sm-ring assembly and cap trimethylation serve as an additional checkpoint and only properly formed snRNPs are imported back to the nucleus. The core snRNP is targeted to the Cajal body where snRNP-specific proteins are added and di- and tri-snRNPs are formed. If either of these last steps fails, immature snRNPs are retained in the Cajal body.
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