Abstract

In cell biology, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) 2′ O-methyl (2'- O-Me) is the most prevalent post-transcriptional chemical modification contributing to ribosome heterogeneity. The modification involves a family of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and is specified by box C/D snoRNAs (SNORDs). Given the importance of ribosome biogenesis for skeletal muscle growth, we asked if rRNA 2'- O-Me in nascent ribosomes synthesized in response to a growth stimulus is an unrecognized mode of ribosome heterogeneity in muscle. To determine the pattern and dynamics of 2'- O-Me rRNA, we used a sequencing-based profiling method called RiboMeth-seq. We applied this method to tissue-derived rRNA of skeletal muscle and rRNA specifically from the muscle fiber using an inducible myofiber-specific RiboTag mouse in sedentary and mechanically overloaded conditions. These analyses were complemented by myonuclear-specific small RNA sequencing to profile SNORDs and link the rRNA epitranscriptome to known regulatory elements generated within the muscle fiber. We demonstrate for the first time that mechanical overload of skeletal muscle 1) induces decreased 2'- O-Me at a subset of skeletal muscle rRNA and 2) alters the SNORD profile in isolated myonuclei. These findings point to a transient diversification of the ribosome pool via 2'- O-Me during growth and adaptation in skeletal muscle. These findings suggest changes in ribosome heterogeneity at the 2'- O-Me level during muscle hypertrophy and lay the foundation for studies investigating the functional implications of these newly identified "growth-induced" ribosomes.