DSSR-PyMOL cartoon-block schematics: PDB entry 2ke6

PDB-id

2ke6; DSSR-derived features in text and JSON formats

Class

RNA

Method

NMR

Summary

Solution structure of k10 tls RNA

Reference

Bullock SL, Ringel I, Ish-Horowicz D, Lukavsky PJ (2010): "A'-form RNA helices are required for cytoplasmic mRNA transport in Drosophila." Nat.Struct.Mol.Biol., 17, 703-709. doi: 10.1038/nsmb.1813.

Abstract

Microtubule-based mRNA transport is widely used to restrict protein expression to specific regions in the cell and has important roles in defining cell polarity and axis determination as well as in neuronal function. However, the structural basis of recognition of cis-acting mRNA localization signals by motor complexes is poorly understood. We have used NMR spectroscopy to describe the first tertiary structure to our knowledge of an RNA element responsible for mRNA transport. The Drosophila melanogaster fs(1)K10 signal, which mediates transport by the dynein motor, forms a stem loop with two double-stranded RNA helices adopting an unusual A'-form conformation with widened major grooves reminiscent of those in B-form DNA. Structure determination of four mutant RNAs and extensive functional assays in Drosophila embryos indicate that the two spatially registered A'-form helices represent critical recognition sites for the transport machinery. Our study provides insights into the basis for RNA cargo recognition and reveals a key biological function encoded by A'-form RNA conformation.