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Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Analysis of RNA Processing Reactions Using Cell Free Systems: 3' End Cleavage of Pre-mRNA Substrates in vitro
Published on: May 3, 2014
Structural insights into RNA cleavage by a novel family of bacterial RNases
Ruoxi Wu1, Sarah Barnes1, Heather Dahlin1
1Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Abstract:
Processing of RNA is a key regulatory mechanism for all living systems. We recently discovered a novel family of endoribonucleases that is conserved across all bacteria. Here, using crystallography, cryo-EM microscopy, biochemical, biophysical, and mass spectrometry techniques, we are able to shed light on a novel RNA cleavage mechanism in bacteria. We show that YicC, the prototypical member of this family, forms a hexameric channel that closes down on a 26-mer RNA substrate, and find that it cleaves across an RNA hairpin to generate several short fragments.
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