Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: Cell. 2006 Aug 25;126(4):713-25.
Related Articles, Links
Click here to read Click here to read
The crystal structure of the exon junction complex reveals how it maintains a stable grip on mRNA.

Bono F, Ebert J, Lorentzen E, Conti E.

European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany.

The exon junction complex (EJC) plays a major role in posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA in metazoa. The EJC is deposited onto mRNA during splicing and is transported to the cytoplasm where it influences translation, surveillance, and localization of the spliced mRNA. The complex is formed by the association of four proteins (eIF4AIII, Barentsz [Btz], Mago, and Y14), mRNA, and ATP. The 2.2 A resolution structure of the EJC reveals how it stably locks onto mRNA. The DEAD-box protein eIF4AIII encloses an ATP molecule and provides the binding sites for six ribonucleotides. Btz wraps around eIF4AIII and stacks against the 5' nucleotide. An intertwined network of interactions anchors Mago-Y14 and Btz at the interface between the two domains of eIF4AIII, effectively stabilizing the ATP bound state. Comparison with the structure of the eIF4AIII-Btz subcomplex that we have also determined reveals that large conformational changes are required upon EJC assembly and disassembly.

Publication Types:
PMID: 16923391 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]