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. 1991 Apr;10(4):767–777. doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1991.tb08008.x

Changes in 7SL RNA conformation during the signal recognition particle cycle.

M Andreazzoli 1, S A Gerbi 1
PMCID: PMC452715  PMID: 1706993

Abstract

The structure of 7SL RNA has been probed by chemical modification followed by primer extension, using four substrates: (i) naked 7SL RNA; (ii) free signal recognition particle (SRP); (iii) polysome bound SRP; and (iv) membrane bound SRP. Decreasing sensitivity to chemical modification between these different substrates suggests regions on 7SL RNA that: bind proteins associated with SRP might interact with ribosomes; and are protected by binding to membranes. Other areas increase in chemical sensitivity, exemplified by a tertiary interaction present in naked 7SL RNA but not in free SRP. Such changes suggest that 7SL RNA changes its conformation during the SRP cycle. These conformational changes could be a necessary component to move through the SRP cycle from one stage to the next.

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Selected References

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