The trypanosome mRNA decapping enzyme ALPH1 prefers caps without m 7 G methylation and produces diphosphate-RNA

ABSTRACT 5′ends of eukaryotic mRNAs are protected by the m 7 G cap, connected to the mRNA via a three-phosphate-bridge. In mRNA decay, the pyrophosphate bond between the α and β phosphate is cleaved by the nudix hydrolase DCP2. Uniquely among eukaryotes, Kinetoplastida lack DCP2 and instead employ the ApaH-like phosphatase ALPH1 for mRNA decapping. ALPH1 consists of an unstructured N-terminus, a catalytic domain and a structured C-terminus that mediates ALPH1 dimerisation. Here, we have analysed Trypanosoma brucei ALPH1 in greater detail. We find that the enzyme has broad substrate specificity and accepts different cap types and even cap analogues. Strikingly, cap-analogues and RNAs without the m 7 G-methyl group are turned over significantly faster than m 7 G methylated substrates. Moreover, all methylated and non-methylated cap analogues tested, with at least one additional nucleotide 3′ to the NpppN moiety are cleaved at the β-γ pyrophosphate bond, producing the equivalent to a 5’ diphosphate-RNA. While the presence of the ALPH1 C-terminal domain is essential for cell viability and increases enzyme activity in vitro, substrate preferences are determined solely by the catalytic domain. Altogether, these ALPH1 enzymatic properties exhibit intriguing differences to the canonical eukaryotic decapping enzyme DCP2, which we critically discuss and which potentially have biotechnological applications.