Publication Abstract from PubMed
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. Among these, members of the let-7 miRNA family control many cell-fate determination genes to influence pluripotency, differentiation, and transformation. Lin28 is a specific, posttranscriptional inhibitor of let-7 biogenesis. We report crystal structures of mouse Lin28 in complex with sequences from let-7d, let-7-f1, and let-7g precursors. The two folded domains of Lin28 recognize two distinct regions of the RNA and are sufficient for inhibition of let-7 in vivo. We also show by NMR spectroscopy that the linker connecting the two folded domains is flexible, accommodating Lin28 binding to diverse let-7 family members. Protein-RNA complex formation imposes specific conformations on both components that could affect downstream recognition by other processing factors. Our data provide a molecular explanation for Lin28 specificity and a model for how it regulates let-7.
Molecular Basis for Interaction of let-7 MicroRNAs with Lin28.,Nam Y, Chen C, Gregory RI, Chou JJ, Sliz P Cell. 2011 Nov 23;147(5):1080-91. Epub 2011 Nov 10. PMID:22078496[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
