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Publication Abstract from PubMed

The U2/U6 snRNA complex is a conserved and essential component of the active spliceosome that interacts with the pre-mRNA substrate and essential protein splicing factors to promote splicing catalysis. Here we have elucidated the solution structure of a 111-nucleotide U2/U6 complex using an approach that integrates SAXS, NMR, and molecular modeling. The U2/U6 structure contains a three-helix junction that forms an extended "Y" shape. The U6 internal stem-loop (ISL) forms a continuous stack with U2/U6 Helices Ib, Ia, and III. The coaxial stacking of Helix Ib on the U6 ISL is a configuration that is similar to the Domain V structure in group II introns. Interestingly, essential features of the complex-including the U80 metal binding site, AGC triad, and pre-mRNA recognition sites-localize to one face of the molecule. This observation suggests that the U2/U6 structure is well-suited for orienting substrate and cofactors during splicing catalysis.

Structure of the yeast U2/U6 snRNA complex.,Burke JE, Sashital DG, Zuo X, Wang YX, Butcher SE RNA. 2012 Feb 10. PMID:22328579^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.