Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Studying RNA Interactors of Protein Kinase RNA-Activated during the Mammalian Cell Cycle
Published on: March 5, 2019
Regulation of innate immunity through RNA structure and the protein kinase PKR
Subba Rao Nallagatla1, Rebecca Toroney, Philip C Bevilacqua
1Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, 104 Chemistry Bldg, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Abstract:
Molecular recognition of RNA structure is key to innate immunity. The protein kinase PKR differentiates self from non-self by recognition of molecular patterns in RNA. Certain biological RNAs induce autophosphorylation of PKR, activating it to phosphorylate eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), which leads to inhibition of translation. Additional biological RNAs inhibit PKR, while still others have no effect. The aim of this article is to develop a cohesive framework for understanding and predicting PKR function in the context of diverse RNA structure. We present effects of recently characterized viral and cellular RNAs on regulation of PKR, as well as siRNAs. A central conclusion is that assembly of accessible long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) elements within biological RNAs plays a key role in regulation of PKR kinase. Strategies for forming such elements include RNA dimerization, formation of symmetrical helical defects, A-form dsRNA mimicry, and coaxial stacking of helices.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Translational Regulation
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Types of RNA
RNA Performs Diverse...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

