Premium
Molecular basis of RNA recognition and TAP binding by the SR proteins SRp20 and 9G8
Author(s) -
Hargous Yann,
Hautbergue Guillaume M,
Tintaru Aura M,
Skrisovska Lenka,
Golovanov Alexander P,
Stevenin James,
Lian LuYun,
Wilson Stuart A,
Allain Frédéric HT
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601385
Subject(s) - biology , rna binding protein , alternative splicing , rna , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , messenger rna , gene
The sequence‐specific RNA‐binding proteins SRp20 and 9G8 are the smallest members of the serine‐ and arginine‐rich (SR) protein family, well known for their role in splicing. They also play a role in mRNA export, in particular of histone mRNAs. We present the solution structures of the free 9G8 and SRp20 RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) and of SRp20 RRM in complex with the RNA sequence 5′CAUC3′. The SRp20‐RNA structure reveals that although all 4 nt are contacted by the RRM, only the 5′ cytosine is primarily recognized in a specific way. This might explain the numerous consensus sequences found by SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) for the RRM of 9G8 and SRp20. Furthermore, we identify a short arginine‐rich peptide adjacent to the SRp20 and 9G8 RRMs, which does not contact RNA but is necessary and sufficient for interaction with the export factor Tip‐associated protein (TAP). Together, these results provide a molecular description for mRNA and TAP recognition by SRp20 and 9G8.