Comparison of a preQ1 riboswitch aptamer in metabolite-bound and free states with implications for gene regulation.

ABSTRACT: Riboswitches are RNA regulatory elements that govern gene expression by recognition of small molecule ligands via a high affinity aptamer domain. Molecular recognition can lead to active or attenuated gene expression states by controlling accessibility to mRNA signals necessary for transcription or translation. Key areas of inquiry focus on how an aptamer attains specificity for its effector, the extent to which the aptamer folds prior to encountering its ligand, and how ligand binding alters expression signal accessibility. Here we present crystal structures of the preQ(1) riboswitch from Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis in the preQ(1)-bound and free states. Although the mode of preQ(1) recognition is similar to that observed for preQ(0), surface plasmon resonance revealed an apparent K(D

SUBMITTER: Jenkins JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3137038 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature