Misfolded human tRNA isodecoder binds and neutralizes a 3′ UTR-embedded Alu element
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Several classes of small noncoding RNAs are key players in cellular metabolism including mRNA decoding, RNA processing, and mRNA stability. Here we show that a tRNA(Asp) isodecoder, corresponding to a human tRNA-derived sequence, binds to an embedded Alu RNA element contained in the 3' UTR of the human aspartyl-tRNA synthetase mRNA. This interaction between two well-known classes of RNA molecules, tRNA and Alu RNA, is driven by an unexpected structural motif and induces a global rearrangement of the 3' UTR. Besides, this 3' UTR contains two functional polyadenylation signals. We propose a model where the tRNA/Alu interaction would modulate the accessibility of the two alternative polyadenylation sites and regulate the stability of the mRNA. This unique regulation mechanism would link gene expression to RNA polymerase III transcription and may have implications in a primate-specific signal pathway.
Authors: Joëlle Rudinger-Thirion, Alain Lescure, Caroline Paulus, Magali Frugier
Language: English
Topic: RNA Research and Splicing
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2147494033