The authors identified a protein in the archaeon Haloquadratum walsbyi that cleaves mRNAs at a specific 7-base sequence. This protein, MazF-hw, is a homologue of mRNA interferases identified in bacteria, but the previously identified proteins recognize shorter sequences. The longer sequence may achieve a similar level of mRNA regulation specificity to that conferred by microRNAs or by small interfering RNAs. Indeed, the MazF-hw target site is enriched in particular genes, including in a rhodopsin transcription activator. It is possible that highly specific mRNA interferases could be developed as tools to control gene expression.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Yamaguchi, Y. et al. Inhibition of specific gene expressions by protein-mediated mRNA interference. Nature Commun. 3, 607 (2012)Article
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Muers, M. Protein-mediated mRNA interference. Nat Rev Genet 13, 148 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3189
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3189