Distinct 18S rRNA precursors are targets of the exosome complex, the exoribonuclease RRP6L2 and the terminal nucleotidyltransferase TRL in Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary The biosynthesis of ribosomal RNA and its incorporation into functional ribosomes is an essential and intricate process that includes production of mature ribosomal RNA from large precursors. Here, we analyse the contribution of the plant exosome and its co‐factors to processing and degradation of 18S pre‐RNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our data show that, unlike in yeast and humans, an RRP6 homologue, the nucleolar exoribonuclease RRP6L2, and the exosome complex, together with RRP44, function in two distinct steps of pre‐18S rRNA processing or degradation in Arabidopsis. In addition, we identify TRL (TRF4/5‐like) as the terminal nucleotidyltransferase that is mainly responsible for oligoadenylation of rRNA precursors in Arabidopsis. We show that TRL is required for efficient elimination of the excised 5′ external transcribed spacer and of 18S maturation intermediates that escaped 5′ processing. Our data also suggest involvement of additional nucleotidyltransferases, including terminal uridylyltransferase(s), in modifying rRNA processing intermediates in plants. Significance Statement Ribosomal RNA processing is still not fully understood. We show that some of the factors involved, although largely conserved among eukaryotes, have acquired additional or specific functions in Arabidopsis thaliana.