U6 snRNA binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a U6 small nuclear RNA (U6 snRNA). [GOC:mah]

U6 snRNA binding is a critical process in the splicing of pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) within the spliceosome. The U6 snRNA, a small nuclear RNA, is a key component of the spliceosome, a large ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyzes the removal of introns and the joining of exons in pre-mRNA. U6 snRNA interacts with other snRNAs (U1, U2, U4, and U5) and proteins within the spliceosome, forming a dynamic and intricate structure that recognizes splice sites, aligns pre-mRNA, and facilitates the catalytic reactions of splicing.

Specifically, the molecular function of U6 snRNA binding involves several key steps:

1. **Recognition of 5' and 3' splice sites**: U6 snRNA, in complex with U2 snRNA, recognizes and interacts with the 5' splice site and the branch point sequence within the pre-mRNA, forming the catalytic core of the spliceosome. This interaction is mediated by base pairing between the snRNAs and the pre-mRNA.
2. **Alignment of pre-mRNA**: U6 snRNA, along with other snRNAs, helps align the pre-mRNA within the spliceosome, bringing the 5' splice site and the branch point sequence into proximity for the first catalytic step of splicing.
3. **Catalytic activity**: U6 snRNA plays a crucial role in the catalytic activity of the spliceosome. It interacts with the 5' splice site and the branch point sequence, facilitating the formation of the lariat structure, a looped intermediate in the splicing process.
4. **Exon ligation**: U6 snRNA, in conjunction with U5 snRNA, promotes the ligation of exons after intron removal. This step completes the splicing process and generates the mature mRNA molecule.

Overall, U6 snRNA binding is essential for the accurate and efficient splicing of pre-mRNA, a vital process for gene expression and protein synthesis.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)