Misfolded human tRNA isodecoder binds and neutralizes a 3' UTR-embedded Alu element.

ABSTRACT: Several classes of small noncoding RNAs are key players in cellular metabolism including mRNA decoding, RNA processing, and mRNA stability. Here we show that a tRNA(Asp) isodecoder, corresponding to a human tRNA-derived sequence, binds to an embedded Alu RNA element contained in the 3' UTR of the human aspartyl-tRNA synthetase mRNA. This interaction between two well-known classes of RNA molecules, tRNA and Alu RNA, is driven by an unexpected structural motif and induces a global rearrangement of the 3' UTR. Besides, this 3' UTR contains two functional polyadenylation signals. We propose a model where the tRNA/Alu interaction would modulate the accessibility of the two alternative polyadenylation sites and regulate the stability of the mRNA. This unique regulation mechanism would link gene

SUBMITTER: Rudinger-Thirion J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3189049 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature