The human RD protein is closely related to nuclear RNA-binding proteins and has been highly conserved

We have isolated cDNA clones encoding the human RD protein, which is closely related to several known nuclear RNA-binding proteins. The RD protein contains a 60-amino acid (aa) tract consisting almost entirely of alternating basic and acidic aa, (RD)n, primarily arginine (Arg; R) and aspartic acid (Asp; D). The protein also contains an 'RNP sequence domain'. Arg-rich tracts and the RNP sequence domain are both features of nuclear RNA-binding proteins. However, we have been unable to detect RNA-binding by the human RD protein. The very strong evolutionary conservation of the mammalian RD protein aa sequence suggests that it plays an important role in the cell.