The SMN complex.

Abstract

The survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein is the product of the disease-determining gene of the neurodegenerative disorder spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMN is part of a stable multiprotein complex that is found in all metazoan cells in the cytoplasm and in nuclear Gems. The SMN complex contains, in addition to SMN, at least six other proteins, named Gemins2-7, and plays an essential role in the assembly of the spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). Through its binding to specific sequences in the snRNAs, the SMN complex surveys the correct identity of the target RNAs and facilitates snRNP assembly. Based on its ability to interact with several other protein and RNA components of cellular RNPs, it is likely that the SMN complex functions as an assemblyosome in the formation of diverse RNP particles, some of which may be of particular importance to the motor neuron. A detailed understanding of the cellular roles of the SMN complex may help the development of therapeutic strategies for this neurodegenerative disease.

• Authors: Amelie K Gubitz, Wenqin Feng, Gideon Dreyfuss
• Journal: Experimental cell research (Exp Cell Res) Vol. 296 Issue 1 Pg. 51-6 (May 15 2004) ISSN: 0014-4827 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15120993 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
• Macromolecular Substances
• Multiprotein Complexes
• Nerve Tissue Proteins
• Nuclear Proteins
• RNA-Binding Proteins
• Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear
• SMN Complex Proteins

Topics

• Animals
• Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
• Humans
• Macromolecular Substances
• Motor Neurons (chemistry, pathology)
• Multiprotein Complexes
• Nerve Tissue Proteins (metabolism, physiology)
• Nuclear Proteins (metabolism, physiology)
• RNA-Binding Proteins
• Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear (metabolism)
• SMN Complex Proteins