The human ribosomal protein L7a is a component of the major ribosomal subunit. We previously identified three nuclear-localization-competent domains within L7a, and demonstrated that the domain defined by aa (amino acids) 52–100 is necessary, although not sufficient, to target the L7a protein to the nucleoli. We now demonstrate that L7a interacts in vitro with a presumably G-rich RNA structure, which has yet to be defined. We also demonstrate that the L7a protein contains two RNA-binding domains: one encompassing aa 52–100 (RNAB1) and the other encompassing aa 101–161 (RNAB2). RNAB1 does not contain any known nucleic-acid-binding motif, and may thus represent a new class of such motifs. On the other hand, a specific region of RNAB2 is highly conserved in several other protein components of the ribonucleoprotein complex. We have investigated the topology of the L7a–RNA complex using a recombinant form of the protein domain that encompasses residues 101–161 and a 30mer poly(G) oligonucleotide. Limited proteolysis and cross-linking experiments, and mass spectral analyses of the recombinant protein domain and its complex with poly(G) revealed the RNA-binding region.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
January 2005
- Cover Image
- PDF Icon PDF LinkFront Matter
- PDF Icon PDF LinkTable of Contents
- PDF Icon PDF LinkEditorial Board
Research Article|
December 14 2004
Ribosomal protein L7a binds RNA through two distinct RNA-binding domains
Giulia RUSSO
;
Giulia RUSSO
*Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5 Napoli, I-80131 Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Monica CUCCURESE
;
Monica CUCCURESE
*Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5 Napoli, I-80131 Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Gianluca MONTI
;
Gianluca MONTI
†Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biologica, Università Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, I-80126 Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Annapina RUSSO
;
Annapina RUSSO
*Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5 Napoli, I-80131 Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Angela AMORESANO
;
Angela AMORESANO
†Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biologica, Università Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, I-80126 Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Pietro PUCCI
;
Pietro PUCCI
†Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biologica, Università Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia 4, I-80126 Italy
‡CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.a.r.l., Via Comunale Margherita 482 Napoli, I-80145 Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Concetta PIETROPAOLO
Concetta PIETROPAOLO
1
*Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5 Napoli, I-80131 Italy
1To whom correspondence should be addressed (email pietropaolo@dbbm.unina.it).
Search for other works by this author on:
Biochem J (2005) 385 (1): 289–299.
Article history
Received:
March 08 2004
Revision Received:
August 25 2004
Accepted:
September 13 2004
Accepted Manuscript online:
September 13 2004
Citation
Giulia RUSSO, Monica CUCCURESE, Gianluca MONTI, Annapina RUSSO, Angela AMORESANO, Pietro PUCCI, Concetta PIETROPAOLO; Ribosomal protein L7a binds RNA through two distinct RNA-binding domains. Biochem J 1 January 2005; 385 (1): 289–299. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BJ20040371
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign in to your personal account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Biochemical Society Member Sign in
Sign InSign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionGet Access To This Article
Cited By
Related Articles
Probing the mechanisms underlying human diseases in making ribosomes
Biochem Soc Trans (August,2016)
Are ribosomal proteins present at transcription sites on or off ribosomal subunits?
Biochem Soc Trans (November,2010)
The central part of the 5.8 S rRNA is differently arranged in programmed and free human ribosomes
Biochem J (March,2005)
Expression of human snRNA genes from beginning to end
Biochem Soc Trans (July,2008)