Localization and expression dynamics of an RNA Pol I core subunit in response to fasting in C. elegans

TL;DR

This study explores how fasting affects RNA polymerase I activity in C. elegans by examining a key subunit's localization and expression.

Contribution

The study reveals that RNA Pol I core subunit RPOA-2 levels decrease during fasting and recover with feeding.

Findings

RPOA-2 maintains nucleolar localization regardless of feeding status.

Fasting reduces RPOA-2 protein levels, which are restored upon feeding.

RNA Pol I subunit availability may regulate rDNA transcription in response to nutrients.

Abstract

Nutrient availability influences ribosome biogenesis, requiring dynamic regulation of RNA Pol I activity. In

C. elegans

, fasting reduces pre-rRNA levels. However, whether this reduction stems from a regulation of RNA Pol I expression remains unclear. Here, we examined how the nutritional status affects the localization and expression levels of
RPOA-2
, a core subunit of RNA Pol I, in the intestine. We found that
RPOA-2
retains its nucleolar localization regardless of animals being fed, fasted or fed after fasting. Interestingly, fasting reduces
RPOA-2
protein amounts which are restored upon feeding. These findings suggest that the availability of RNA Pol I core subunits contributes to the regulation of rDNA transcription in response to nutrients.

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