Activation of guide RNA-directed editing of a cytochrome b mRNA

The coding sequence of several mitochondrial mRNAs of the kinetoplastid protozoa is created only after the addition or deletion of specific uridines. Although in vitro systems have been valuable in characterizing the editing mechanism, only a limited number of mRNAs are accurately edited in vitro. We demonstrate here that in vitro editing of cytochrome b mRNA is inhibited by an A-U sequence present on both the 5'-untranslated sequence and on a cytochrome b guide RNA. Mutation of the sequence on the guide RNA stimulates directed editing and results in the loss of binding to at least one component within the editing extract. Mutation of the sequence on the mRNA increases the accuracy of the editing. Evidence is provided that suggests the A-U sequence interacts with the editing machinery both in vitro and in vivo.