Molecular functions of RNA helicases during ribosomal subunit assembly

During their biogenesis, the ribosomal subunits undergo numerous structural and compositional changes to achieve their final architecture. RNA helicases are a key driving force of such remodelling events but deciphering their particular functions has long been challenging due to lack of knowledge of their molecular functions and RNA substrates. Advances in the biochemical characterisation of RNA helicase activities together with new insights into RNA helicase binding sites on pre-ribosomes and structural snapshots of pre-ribosomal complexes containing RNA helicases now open the door to a deeper understanding of precisely how different RNA helicases contribute to ribosomal subunit maturation.

Automated summary

During the biogenesis process of ribosomal subunits, RNA helicases play a crucial role in remodeling events through structural and compositional changes. However, understanding their specific functions has been challenging due to limited knowledge on their molecular functions and RNA substrates. Recent advances in RNA helicase characterization, identification of their binding sites on pre-ribosomes, and structural analysis of pre-ribosomal complexes containing RNA helicases provide new insights into how different RNA helicases contribute to ribosomal subunit maturation.