Binding of IRE-BP to Its Cognate RNA Sequence: SFM Studies on a Universal RNA Backbone for the Analysis of RNA-Protein Interaction

• Published in: Biological chemistry Vol. 382; no. 8; pp. 1157 - 1162
• Main Authors: Bonin, Michael, Oberstrass, Jürgen, Vogt, Ulrike, Wassenegger, Michael, Nellen, Wolfgang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Walter de Gruyter 28.08.2001
• Subjects: Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Iron-Regulatory Proteins; Iron-Sulfur Proteins - chemistry; Iron-Sulfur Proteins - metabolism; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Nucleic Acid Conformation; Potato spindle tuber viroid; Response Elements; RNA, Double-Stranded - chemistry; RNA, Double-Stranded - metabolism; RNA, Viral - chemistry; RNA, Viral - metabolism; RNA-Binding Proteins - chemistry; RNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism
• ISSN: 1431-6730
• DOI: 10.1515/BC.2001.145

We have used an RNA consisting of the potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) and 240 bp of doublestranded RNA derived from the GUS gene as a backbone for scanning force microscope (SFM) studies on RNA binding proteins. The in vitro transcribed RNA forms a rodlike structure of apparent 130 nm in length with a completely base paired central part flanked by the incompletely paired viroid helix with bulges on both sides. The termini of the molecule consist of loops such that no blunt or staggered RNA ends are exposed. Suitable, asymmetrical restriction sites in the construct allow for the insertion of sequences of interest, e. g. protein binding sites. We have inserted the IRE (iron responsive element) sequence into the construct and have used in vitro transcripts to study binding of IREBP. Relative binding frequencies show that 70% of the protein binds to the expected site in the molecule while only a slightly enhanced binding is observed at the termini. In the GUSPSTVdIRE backbone, the orientation of the molecule is easily determined by IREBP binding. It thus provides a versatile tool to study specific as well as preferential interaction of other proteins with sequences or structures inserted into a different part of the molecule.