The structural basis of 5' triphosphate double-stranded RNA recognition by RIG-I C-terminal domain.

ABSTRACT: RIG-I is a cytosolic sensor of viral RNA that plays crucial roles in the induction of type I interferons. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RIG-I is responsible for the recognition of viral RNA with 5' triphosphate (ppp). However, the mechanism of viral RNA recognition by RIG-I is still not fully understood. Here, we show that RIG-I CTD binds 5' ppp dsRNA or ssRNA, as well as blunt-ended dsRNA, and exhibits the highest affinity for 5' ppp dsRNA. Crystal structures of RIG-I CTD bound to 5' ppp dsRNA with GC- and AU-rich sequences revealed that RIG-I recognizes the termini of the dsRNA and interacts with the 5' ppp through extensive electrostatic interactions. Mutagenesis and RNA-binding studies demonstrated that similar binding surfaces are involved in the recognition of different forms of RNA. Mutations of key residues at the RNA-binding surface affected RIG-I signaling in cells.

SUBMITTER: Lu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2919622 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature