364d

Publication Abstract from PubMed

Two new RNA structures portray how non-Watson-Crick base pairs and metal ions can produce a unique RNA shape suitable for recognition by proteins. The crystal structures of a 62 nt domain of E. coli 5S ribosomal RNA and a duplex dodecamer encompassing an internal loop E have been determined at 3.0 and 1.5 A, respectively. This loop E region is distorted by three "cross-strand purine stacks" and three novel, water-mediated noncanonical base pairs and stabilized by a four metal ion zipper. These features give its minor groove a unique hydrogen-bonding surface and make the adjacent major groove wide enough to permit recognition by the ribosomal protein L25, which is expected to bind to this surface.

Metals, motifs, and recognition in the crystal structure of a 5S rRNA domain.,Correll CC, Freeborn B, Moore PB, Steitz TA Cell. 1997 Nov 28;91(5):705-12. PMID:9393863^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.