The RNA encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau has extensive structure that affects its biology.

ABSTRACT: Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases that affect millions of people worldwide including those with Alzheimer's disease. While many efforts have focused on understanding the role of tau protein in neurodegeneration, there has been little done to systematically analyze and study the structures within tau's encoding RNA and their connection to disease pathology. Knowledge of RNA structure can provide insights into disease mechanisms and how to affect protein production for therapeutic benefit. Using computational methods based on thermodynamic stability and evolutionary conservation, we identified structures throughout the tau pre-mRNA, especially at exon-intron junctions and within the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). In particular, structures were identified at twenty exon-intro

SUBMITTER: Chen JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6619747 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature