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From t RNA to mi RNA : RNA ‐folding contributes to correct entry into noncoding RNA pathways
Author(s) -
Hasler Daniele,
Meister Gunter
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1002/1873-3468.12294
Subject(s) - rna , non coding rna , riboswitch , rna induced transcriptional silencing , rna editing , rna silencing , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , rna interference , gene
Although RNA are synthesized as single‐stranded molecules, most of them are characterized by extensive secondary structures. Two RNA that require distinct folding for biogenesis and function are mi RNA and t RNA . While mi RNA are processed from hairpin‐containing precursors, t RNA are folded into characteristic L‐shaped structures. In addition, t RNA and their precursors are a rich source of RNA fragments. Recent findings suggest that their production might be determined by structural characteristics of the t RNA substrates. Importantly, correct folding of pre‐t RNA is assisted by the Lupus autoantigen La, an RNA chaperone. In this context, La interacts with pre‐t RNA to prevent alternative foldings leading to mis‐channeling into the mi RNA pathway. Thus, RNA chaperones also function as gatekeepers for correct RNA pathway selection.