Enzyme action at RNA-protein interface in DTD-like fold

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• The modern "RNA-protein world" features essential RNA-protein complexes (RNPCs) for biological functions.
• DTD-like fold is a key RNPC involved in translational proofreading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the catalytic mechanism and evolutionary significance of DTD-like fold RNPCs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the DTD-like fold's interaction with substrates.
• Characterization of its RNA-based catalytic activity.

Main Results:

• The DTD-like fold interacts with substrates primarily via its main chain, with dispensable side chains for specificity and catalysis.
• This RNPC utilizes the 2'-OH of tRNA's adenosine-76 for RNA-based catalysis.

Conclusions:

• DTD-like fold exemplifies catalytic RNPCs, highlighting RNA-based catalysis at the RNA-protein interface.
• These findings suggest a potential evolutionary pathway from RNA-mediated to protein-based catalysis.