Crystal structure of the ribosomal RNA domain essential for binding elongation factors.

ABSTRACT: The structure of a 29-nucleotide RNA containing the sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of rat 28 S rRNA has been determined at 2.1 A resolution. Recognition of the SRL by elongation factors and by the ribotoxins, sarcin and ricin, requires a nearly universal dodecamer sequence that folds into a G-bulged cross-strand A stack and a GAGA tetraloop. The juxtaposition of these two motifs forms a distorted hairpin structure that allows direct recognition of bases in both grooves as well as recognition of nonhelical backbone geometry and two 5'-unstacked purines. Comparisons with other RNA crystal structures establish the cross-strand A stack and the GNRA tetraloop as defined and modular RNA structural elements. The conserved region at the top is connected to the base of the domain by a region presumed to b

SUBMITTER: Correll CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC24837 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature