LOTUS domain is a novel class of G-rich and G-quadruplex RNA binding domain.

ABSTRACT: LOTUS domains are helix-turn-helix protein folds identified in essential germline proteins and are conserved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Despite originally predicted as an RNA binding domain, its molecular binding activity towards RNA and protein is controversial. In particular, the most conserved binding property for the LOTUS domain family remains unknown. Here, we uncovered an unexpected specific interaction of LOTUS domains with G-rich RNA sequences. Intriguingly, LOTUS domains exhibit high affinity to RNA G-quadruplex tertiary structures implicated in diverse cellular processes including piRNA biogenesis. This novel LOTUS domain-RNA interaction is conserved in bacteria, plants and animals, comprising the most ancient binding feature of the LOTUS domain family. By contrast, LOTUS do

SUBMITTER: Ding D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7498356 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature