Mechanism

RNA Recognition Motif

An approximately 80 amino acid RNA binding motif that consists of four anti-parallel surface beta sheets and two alpha helices arranged in a beta-alpha-beta-beta-alpha-beta configuration. One of the surface beta sheets interacts with two or three specific RNA bases. Interactions between additional sequences and the RNA, as well as within the RNA recognition motif increase the affinity and specificity of the protein-RNA interaction.