Transfer RNA processing in archaea: unusual pathways and enzymes

FEBS Lett. 2010 Jan 21;584(2):303-9. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.10.067.

Abstract

Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules are highly conserved in length, sequence and structure in order to be functional in the ribosome. However, mostly in archaea, the short genes encoding tRNAs can be found disrupted, fragmented, with permutations or with non-functional mutations of conserved nucleotides. Here, we give an overview of recently discovered tRNA maturation pathways that require intricate processing steps to finally generate the standard tRNA from these unusual tRNA genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Archaea / enzymology*
  • Archaea / genetics
  • Endoribonucleases / chemistry
  • Endoribonucleases / metabolism
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Protein Conformation
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional*
  • RNA Splicing*
  • RNA, Archaeal / chemistry
  • RNA, Archaeal / genetics
  • RNA, Archaeal / metabolism*
  • RNA, Transfer / chemistry
  • RNA, Transfer / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism*
  • Ribonuclease P / genetics
  • Ribonuclease P / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Archaeal
  • RNA, Transfer
  • Endoribonucleases
  • Ribonuclease P
  • splicing endonuclease