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. 1994 Apr 1;13(7):1664–1672. doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1994.tb06430.x

Characterization of two classes of ribonucleoprotein complexes possibly involved in RNA editing from Leishmania tarentolae mitochondria.

M Peris 1, G C Frech 1, A M Simpson 1, F Bringaud 1, E Byrne 1, A Bakker 1, L Simpson 1
PMCID: PMC394997  PMID: 7512500

Abstract

The molecular mechanism of RNA editing in trypanosomatid mitochondria is an unsolved problem. We show that two classes of ribonucleoprotein complexes exist in a mitochondrial extract from Leishmania tarentolae and appear to be involved in RNA editing. The 'G' class of RNP complexes consists of 170-300 A particles which contain guide RNAs and proteins, show little terminal uridylyl transferase (TUTase) activity and exhibit an in vitro RNA editing-like activity. The 'T' class consists of approximately six RNP complexes, the endogenous RNA of which can be self-labeled with [alpha-32P]UTP. The most abundant T complex, T-IV, is visualized by electron microscopy as 80-140 A particles. This complex exhibits TUTase activity in the native gel and contains guide RNAs. Both G and T complexes are possibly involved with RNA editing in vivo. These results are a starting point for the analysis of the biochemistry of RNA editing.

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Selected References

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