RNA-binding proteins ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 promote cell quiescence

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aad5978
• Publication Date: 2016-04-21T18:44:00Z
• Authors: Alison Galloway; Alexander Saveliev; Sebastian Łukasiak; Daniel J. Hodson; Daniel Bolland; Kathryn Balmanno; Helena Ahlfors; Elisa Monzón-Casa...; Sara Ciullini Man...; Lewis S. Bell; Simon Andrews; Manuel D. Díaz-Muñoz; Simon J. Cook; Anne Corcoran; Martin Turner
• Keywords: Mice, Knockout; B-Lymphocytes; 0303 health sciences; Transcription, Genetic; Immunoglobulin mu-Chains; G1 Phase; Nuclear Proteins; RNA-Binding Proteins; Resting Phase, Cell Cycle; V(D)J Recombination; S Phase; 3. Good health; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Gene Expression Regulation; Tristetraprolin; Cyclins; Pre-B Cell Receptors; Animals; RNA, Messenger; Selection, Genetic; Butyrate Response Factor 1; Conserved Sequence

Reducing the risk of rearrangement

As lymphocytes develop, they rearrange their antigen receptor genes and proliferate extensively, potentially putting their genomes at risk. Galloway et al. found that two RNA-binding proteins, ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2, ensure careful entry and exit into the cell cycle. This helps developing B lymphocytes maintain their genomic integrity. Mice deficient in ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 exhibited a profound block in B cell development. ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 suppress mRNAs that help B cells progress through the cell cycle, ensuring that cells can enter quiescence and keep their genomes safe when they undergo the risky process of rearranging their antigen receptors.

Science , this issue p. 453