Journal of Cell Science, Vol 92, Issue 1 101-109, Copyright © 1989 by Company of Biologists

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation of RNA polymerase I is required for lipopolysaccharide-induced nucleolar RNA synthesis and subsequent DNA synthesis in murine B lymphocytes

MS Halleck, RA Schlegel and KM Rose
Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77225.

The synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in murine B lymphocytes is markedly elevated in response to mitogens such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). First, to investigate the mechanism involved, antibodies directed against RNA polymerase I, the enzyme responsible for transcription of ribosomal genes, were introduced into the cytoplasm of lymphocytes via red cell-mediated microinjection and the ability of cells to synthesize RNA was examined. Simultaneous immunofluorescence/autoradiography revealed that 7% or less of the cells injected with specific antibodies prior to stimulation were actively synthesizing rRNA 15 or 40 h following LPS addition. In contrast 19% and 27% of cells injected with control IgG were active at these times. Non-ribosomal RNA synthesis was unaffected by the presence of anti-RNA polymerase I antibodies. Since antibodies injected into the cytoplasm were limited to that compartment, these data suggest that rRNA synthesis induced by LPS requires translocation of cytoplasmic RNA polymerase I into the nucleus. Second, to test whether synthesis of rRNA is required for entry into S phase, the effect of anti-RNA polymerase I antibodies on DNA synthesis in response to LPS was evaluated. Only 7% of cells containing anti-RNA polymerase I antibodies had initiated DNA synthesis 40 h after LPS addition whereas 25% of cells containing control IgG were actively synthesizing DNA at that time. These results suggest that nuclear accumulation of RNA polymerase I and increased rRNA synthesis are required for LPS-induced DNA synthesis in B lymphocytes.