Abstract
Over 1000 nucleotides may separate the ribozyme core of some group I introns from their 3' splice junctions. Using the sunY intron of bacteriophage T4 as a model system, we have investigated the mechanisms by which proximal splicing events are suppressed in vitro, as well as in vivo. Exon ligation as well as cleavage at the 5' splice site are shown to require long-range pairing between one of the peripheral components of the ribozyme core and some of the nucleotides preceding the authentic 3' splice junction. Consistent with our three-dimensional modeling of the entire sunY ribozyme, we propose that this novel interaction is necessary to drive 5' exon-core transcripts into an active conformation. A requirement for additional stabilizing interactions, either RNA-based or mediated by proteins, appears to be a general feature of group I self-splicing. A role for these interactions in mediating putative alternative splicing events is discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
