Two genes encode 7SL RNAs in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

We have identified an abundant cytoplasmic 7S RNA in crude extracts of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. A cDNA probe was prepared from this RNA and used to screen a genomic library. The DNA sequence of a positive clone was determined and the end positions of the 7S RNA gene established by comparison with the sequence of the extremities of 7S RNA. This gene, designated SCR2, encodes a 270-nucleotide RNA that can be folded into a secondary structure similar to that of 7SL RNAs. This RNA is 94.4% homologous to a previously identified 7S RNA from this yeast, but is encoded by a separate gene with highly divergent flanking sequences.