Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
11:19
Novel RNA-Binding Proteins Isolation by the RaPID Methodology
Published on: September 30, 2016
9.5K
The La and related RNA-binding proteins (LARPs): structures, functions, and evolving perspectives
Richard J Maraia1,2, Sandy Mattijssen1, Isabel Cruz-Gallardo3
1Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|August 8, 2017
Summary
The La protein and its relatives (LARPs) are crucial for RNA processing in eukaryotes. They bind to RNA polymerase III transcripts, protect them, and aid in tRNA and mRNA metabolism, influencing gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
Background:
- The La protein is a ubiquitous eukaryotic factor involved in ribonucleoprotein complexes.
- It binds to the 3'-OH terminus of nascent RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) transcripts, protecting them from degradation.
- La also acts as an RNA chaperone for precursor-tRNAs, preventing misfolding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural biology of La and La-related proteins (LARPs).
- To explore the evolutionary significance of La and RNAP III in tRNAome expansion.
- To discuss the diverse functions of LARPs in RNA metabolism and translation.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution structural biology of La and LARPs.
- Review of evidence linking La/RNAP III to tRNAome expansion.
- Analysis of LARP functions in mRNA metabolism and translation.
Main Results:
- Four families of LARPs evolved with specialized functions, distinct from ancestral La.
- LARP7 family members interact with 7SK or telomerase RNA.
- Cytoplasmic La and LARPs 6, 4, and 1 are involved in mRNA metabolism and translation, sometimes interacting with poly(A)-binding protein.
Conclusions:
- La and LARPs exhibit significant functional versatility, revealed by new structural data.
- LARPs retain links to ancestral La functions, including potential roles in tRNA surveillance and codon usage.
- The evolution and specialized functions of LARPs highlight their importance in eukaryotic gene regulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:19RNA Structure
7.9K
The basic structure of RNA consists of a string of ribonucleotides attached by phosphodiester bonds. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...
7.9K
01:23RNA Structure
79.4K
Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
79.4K
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
10.0K
In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
10.0K
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
3.7K
3.7K
00:43Bacterial RNA Polymerase
33.1K
Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
33.1K
01:23Types of RNA
73.3K
Overview
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...
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...
73.3K