Abstract
The stability of mRNAs is regulated by signals within their sequences, but a systematic and predictive understanding of the underlying sequence rules remains elusive. Here we introduce UTR-seq, a combination of massively parallel reporter assays and regression models, to survey the dynamics of tens of thousands of 3′ UTR sequences during early zebrafish embryogenesis. UTR-seq revealed two temporal degradation programs: a maternally encoded early-onset program and a late-onset program that accelerated degradation after zygotic genome activation. Three signals regulated early-onset rates: stabilizing poly-U and UUAG sequences and destabilizing GC-rich signals. Three signals explained late-onset degradation: miR-430 seeds, AU-rich sequences, and Pumilio recognition sites. Sequence-based regression models translated 3′ UTRs into their unique decay patterns and predicted the in vivo effect of sequence signals on mRNA stability. Their application led to the successful design of artificial 3′ UTRs that conferred specific mRNA dynamics. UTR-seq provides a general strategy to uncover the rules of RNA cis regulation. The sequences of mRNAs affect their stability. Rabani et al. introduce UTR-seq to uncover the rules that translate mRNA sequences into decay patterns. They survey the decay of tens of thousands of mRNAs, identify sequences that regulate mRNA degradation during early zebrafish embryogenesis, and establish sequence-based models that predict mRNA decay.
Original language | American English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1083-1094.e5 |
Journal | Molecular Cell |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We thank Attila Becskei, Sean Eddy, Nir Friedman, Elena Rivas, Mihaela Zavolan, Jeff Farell, James Gagnon, Nathan Lord, and Yiqun Wang for critical reading of the manuscript. We thank Aviv Regev for helpful discussions and for providing access to sequencing facilities. This research was supported by James S. McDonnell Foundation 220020378 and Helen Hay Whitney Foundation postdoctoral fellowships (to M.R.) and NIH grants R01 HD085905 and R01 HD076708 (to A.F.S.).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords
- 3′
- RNA degradation
- RNA stability regulation
- UTR
- massively parallel reporter assay
- maternal to zygotic transition