LSM7 Homolog (LSM7)

Sm-like proteins were identified in a variety of organisms based on sequence homology with the Sm protein family. Sm-like proteins contain the Sm sequence motif, which consists of 2 regions separated by a linker of variable length that folds as a loop. The Sm-like proteins are thought to form a stable heteromer present in tri-snRNP particles, which are important for pre-mRNA splicing. Lsm5, Lsm6, and Lsm7 are not essential for growth; however, their disruptions lead to slow growth especially at elevated temperature. The levels of the U6 snRNA were strongly reduced in the strains harboring the Lsm5, Lsm6, and Lsm7 disruptions. Lsm1 and Lsm9 are dispensable for vegetative growth, but Lsm1 is required for optimal vegetative growth at 30 degrees and is temperature sensitive.