title: Molecular model for messenger RNA splicing.
abstract: A molecular model is presented for a messenger RNA (mRNA) "splice region." The model requires cation coordination to reduce backbone-backbone electrostatic repulsion and it allows for every base residue on the pre-mRNA to be stacked in A-form helical geometry with a recognition element on the intron or exon (or both) sides of the splice junction. The two nucleotides involved in the initial steps of the cleavage-ligation mechanism must adopt a non-A-form geometry, which ideally positions reactive groups on the pre-mRNA for the necessary catalytic chemistry. The model is also consistent with available biochemical data on splicing reactions.
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D001483:Base Sequence; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D009694:Nucleic Acid Precursors / Q000378:metabolism; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000378:metabolism; D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D009694:Nucleic Acid Precursors; D010710:Phosphates; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear; D012313:RNA; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D012343:RNA, Transfer