Abstract
RNA helicases contribute to diverse aspects of RNA metabolism through their functions in re-arranging RNA structures. Identification of the remodelling targets of RNA helicases is a critical step in elucidating their cellular functions. Here, we show that, in contrast to many other ribosome biogenesis factors, the DExD box ATPase DDX55 predominantly localizes to the nucleoplasm and we identify a nuclear localization signal within the C-terminal region of the protein. DDX55 associates with pre-ribosomal subunits in human cells and is required for maturation of large subunit pre-rRNAs. Interestingly, in vitro analyses show that DDX55 selectively associates with double-stranded RNA substrates, which also stimulate its ATPase activity, and our data suggest that the C-terminal region of DDX55 contributes to this substrate specificity. The C-terminal region of DDX55 is also necessary for recruitment of the helicase to pre-ribosomes and, using in vivo crosslinking, we reveal a binding site for DDX55 in helix H62 of the 28S ribosomal RNA. Taken together, these data highlight the importance of the C-terminal region of DDX55 in substrate specificity and recruitment, and identify domain IV as a potential remodelling target of DDX55 during LSU biogenesis.