A positive-selection function for microRNA: an adaptor hypothesis revisited.
A hypothesis for coding different combinations of mRNA segments by a novel postulated function of microRNAs (miRNA) is presented. In this hypothesis, miRNA act as both coding adaptors and ligating enzymes. This hypothesis postulates an enzyme-substrate intermediate comprising a RNA triplex structure consisting of a miRNA adaptor and two mRNA configured as two turns of an A-form RNA helix. Postulating the existence of differentially expressed sets of adaptors (codes) may explain biological functions such as imprinting, differentiation, immunological escape and immunological tolerance, inter alia.
Pieczenik
George
G
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA. piecze@rci.rutgers.edu
D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D016337:RNA, Catalytic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000737:chemistry; D013379:Substrate Specificity / Q000235:genetics
D035683:MicroRNAs; D016337:RNA, Catalytic; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012343:RNA, Transfer