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A metabolite-binding ‘aptamer’ domain and …. … an ‘expression platform’ for gene regulation. Riboswitch Functions. Direct (protein-free) binding of metabolite to RNA Metabolite-dependent regulation of genes.
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A metabolite-binding ‘aptamer’ domain and … … an ‘expression platform’ for gene regulation. Riboswitch Functions • Direct (protein-free) binding of metabolite to RNA • Metabolite-dependent regulation of genes These two activities are accomplished by two functionally separate domains on the RNA: X 1 2 3 4 U U U U U Courtesy: Ron Breaker Lab (Yale University)
X 5´ ORF A U G X GUACGG AG ORF A U G 5´ X ORF A A A A A A U G 5´ Riboswitch Mechanisms They also affect RNA integrity, and perhaps splicing and stability. Ligand binding leads to mRNA cleavage by a new natural ribozyme. X Ligand binding could control splicing in eukayotes. Possibly, ligand binding to the 3´ untranslated region could affect mRNA stability. Courtesy: Ron Breaker Lab (Yale University)
Riboswitch Ligands There are 8 confirmed riboswitches with unique metabolite ligands. Many more conserved RNA motifs are currently under investigation. Courtesy: Ron Breaker Lab (Yale University)