The RNA-RNA base pairing potential of human Dicer and Ago2 proteins.

The RNA-RNA base pairing potential of human Dicer and Ago2 proteins.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2019 Oct 26;:
Authors: Pokornowska M, Milewski MC, Ciechanowska K, Szczepańska A, Wojnicka M, Radogostowicz Z, Figlerowicz M, Kurzynska-Kokorniak A
Abstract
The ribonuclease Dicer produces microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs that are handed over to Ago proteins to control gene expression by targeting complementary sequences within transcripts. Interestingly, a growing number of reports have demonstrated that the activity of Dicer may extend beyond the biogenesis of small regulatory RNAs. Among them, a report from our latest studies revealed that human Dicer facilitates base pairing of complementary sequences present in two nucleic acids, thus acting as a nucleic acid annealer. Accordingly, in this manuscript, we address how RNA structure influences the annealing activity of human Dicer. We show that Dicer supports hybridization between a small RNA and a complementary sequence of a longer RNA in vitro, even when both complementary sequences are trapped within secondary structures. Moreover, we show that under applied conditions, human Ago2, a core component of RNA-induced silencing complex, displays very limited annealing activity. Based on the available data from new-generation sequencing experiments regarding the RNA pool bound to Dicer in vivo, we show that multiple Dicer-binding sites within mRNAs also contain miRNA targets. Subseque...

Source: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS - October 25, 2019 Category: Cytology Authors: Pokornowska M, Milewski MC, Ciechanowska K, Szczepańska A, Wojnicka M, Radogostowicz Z, Figlerowicz M, Kurzynska-Kokorniak A Tags: Cell Mol Life Sci Source Type: research