Trf4p

Trf4p is a protein involved in RNA processing and degradation in yeast. It is a subunit of the TRAMP (Trf4/5-Air2-MTR2) complex, which plays a critical role in the quality control of RNA molecules. This complex is essential for the proper processing and degradation of non-coding RNAs and aberrant transcripts. Trf4p itself possesses nucleotidyltransferase activity, meaning it can add adenine nucleotides to the 3' end of RNA molecules. This polyadenylation activity is important for marking RNAs for degradation by other cellular machinery, such as the exosome. The TRAMP complex is found in the nucleus and is thought to be involved in a variety of RNA-related processes, including transcription termination, snoRNP biogenesis, and the surveillance of nascent RNAs. Defects in Trf4p or the TRAMP complex can lead to the accumulation of abnormal RNAs and cellular dysfunction. Trf4p is conserved across many eukaryotic organisms, highlighting its fundamental importance in cellular RNA metabolism.