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.
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA. piecze@rci.rutgers.edu
George
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Pieczenik
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