Rrn11

Rrn11 is a protein that plays a role in ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes. It is a component of the RNA polymerase I transcription machinery, which is responsible for transcribing the genes that encode ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Specifically, Rrn11 is part of the upstream binding factor (UBF) complex, a crucial regulator of rRNA gene transcription initiation.

In yeast, Rrn11 is an essential protein, meaning that cells lacking it cannot survive. It interacts with other proteins involved in transcription initiation and is thought to contribute to the stable assembly of the pre-initiation complex at the rRNA gene promoters. The precise mechanism by which Rrn11 functions is still under investigation, but it is believed to be involved in stabilizing the interaction between UBF and the rRNA gene DNA.

Studies have shown that mutations in Rrn11 can lead to defects in ribosome synthesis and cell growth. This highlights its importance in maintaining the proper cellular machinery for protein production. While primarily studied in yeast, homologs of Rrn11 have been identified in other eukaryotes, suggesting a conserved role in ribosome biogenesis across different species. The ongoing research into Rrn11 aims to further elucidate its molecular function and its contribution to the complex process of ribosome assembly.