RNase P enzymes

• DOI: 10.4161/rna.24513
• Publication Date: 2013-04-17T20:24:54Z
• Authors: Michael J. Howard; Xin Liu; Wan Hsin Lim; Bradley P. Klemm; Carol A. Fierke; Markos Koutmos; David R. Engelke
• Keywords: RNase PH; RNase MRP; Exosome complex; RNase H; Degradosome

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) catalyzes the maturation of 5' end precursor-tRNAs (pre-tRNA) and is conserved in all domains life. However, composition RNase varies from bacteria to archaea eukarya, making one most diverse enzymes characterized. Most known contain a large catalytic RNA subunit that associates with 10 proteins. Recently, protein-only form was discovered mitochondria chloroplasts many higher eukaryotes. This proteinaceous (PRORP) represents new class metallonucleases. Here we discuss our recent crystal structure PRORP1 Arabidopsis thaliana speculate on reasons for replacement by protein catalyst. We conclude, based an analysis efficiencies ribonucleoprotein (RNP) PRORP enzymes, need greater efficiency likely not driving force behind The emergence protein-based more reflects increasing complexity biological system, including difficulties importation into organelles vulnerability organellar RNAs cleavage.