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Role of a conserved pseudouridine in U2 snRNA on the structural and electrostatic features of the spliceosomal pre-mRNA branch site

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Fine-Tuning of RNA Functions by Modification and Editing

Part of the book series: Topics in Current Genetics ((TCG,volume 12))

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Abstract

A pseudouridine (ψ) residue in a phylogenetically conserved position of U2 snRNA that pairs with the intron to form the pre-mRNA branch site helix of S. Cerevisiae has been shown to induce a dramatically altered architectural landscape compared with that of its unmodified counterpart. In the y-dependent structure the branch site adenosine in an extrahelical position, with the nucleophilic 2’OH positioned at the surface of the widened major groove. Clustering of electronegative functional groups and kinking of the backbone in the modified structure also result in a region of exceptional negativity in the region of the 2’OH. These features may assist in recognition and activity of the branch site during the first step of splicing. This is the first case in which a native y has been shown to induce a major alteration in structure. However, it is likely that other conserved modification sites in the spliceosome and ribosome may impact structurally on assembly and function.

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  1. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA

    Nancy L. Greenbaum

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  1. Nancy L. Greenbaum
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Correspondence to Nancy L. Greenbaum .

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Henri Grosjean

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Greenbaum, N.L. Role of a conserved pseudouridine in U2 snRNA on the structural and electrostatic features of the spliceosomal pre-mRNA branch site. In: Grosjean, H. (eds) Fine-Tuning of RNA Functions by Modification and Editing. Topics in Current Genetics, vol 12. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/b106846

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