Abstract
RNA-RNA interaction slowly emerges as a critical component for the smooth functioning of gene expression processes, in particular in translation where the central actor is an RNA powered molecular machine. Overall, ribosome dynamic results from sequential interactions between three main RNA species: ribosomal, transfer and messenger RNA (rRNA, tRNA and mRNA). In recent decades, special attention has been paid to the physical principles governing codon-anticodon pairing, whereas individual RNA positioning mostly relies on ribosomal RNA framework. Here, we provide a brief overview on the actual knowledge of RNA infrastructure throughout the process of translation in mammalian cells: where and how do these physical contacts occur? What are their potential roles and functions? Are they involved in disease development? What will be the main challenges ahead?
Highlights
Proper folding of RNA through intra- and inter-molecular interactions is essential to the workings of several cellular processes that shape gene expression and drive cell fate
These modifications participate in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) folding and are often located at close proximity to sites involved in ribosome interaction with its ligands, transfer RNA (tRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) [24]
While RNA-RNA interactions are at the heart of ribosome function, several aspects have been largely unexplored, owing primarily to technical and/or model limitations
Summary
Proper folding of RNA through intra- and inter-molecular interactions is essential to the workings of several cellular processes (such as transcription, splicing and translation) that shape gene expression and drive cell fate. This is due to (i) the intimate relationship between RNA structure and function, and (ii) the fact that structured RNAs are central components of essential molecular machines such as the spliceosome, telomerase and ribosome. We will not cover rRNA interaction with small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) during ribosome biogenesis (already explained in detail in [2]) nor codon-anticodon base pairing but rather focus on the molecular basis of rRNA interaction with mRNA and tRNA throughout the course of mammalian translation. In addition to summarizing actual knowledge in the field, we seek to discuss the importance of such interactions in fine-tuning translational control of gene expression, both in health and disease
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