Condensation of LINE-1 is critical for retrotransposition

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.82991
• Publication Date: 2023-04-28T12:00:23Z
• Authors: Srinjoy Sil; Sarah Keegan; Farida Ettefa; Lance T Denes; Jef D Boeke; Liam J Holt
• Keywords: Retrotransposon

LINE-1 (L1) is the only autonomously active retrotransposon in human genome, and accounts for 17% of genome. The L1 mRNA encodes two proteins, ORF1p ORF2p, both essential retrotransposition. ORF2p has reverse transcriptase endonuclease activities, while a homotrimeric RNA-binding protein with poorly understood function. Here, we show that condensation critical Using combination biochemical reconstitution live-cell imaging, demonstrate electrostatic interactions trimer conformational dynamics together tune properties assemblies to allow efficient ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex formation cells. Furthermore, relate assembly RNP condensate material ability complete entire life-cycle. Mutations prevented led loss retrotransposition activity, orthogonal restoration coiled-coil flexibility rescued Based on these observations, propose dynamic oligomerization RNA drives an