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Science 27 April 1984:
Vol. 224. no. 4647, pp. 402 - 405
DOI: 10.1126/science.6200933
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Articles

Science, Vol 224, Issue 4647, 402-405
Copyright © 1984 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Molecular model for messenger RNA splicing

M MacCumber and RL Ornstein

A molecular model is presented for a messenger RNA (mRNA) "splice region." The model requires cation coordination to reduce backbone-backbone electrostatic repulsion and it allows for every base residue on the pre-mRNA to be stacked in A-form helical geometry with a recognition element on the intron or exon (or both) sides of the splice junction. The two nucleotides involved in the initial steps of the cleavage-ligation mechanism must adopt a non-A-form geometry, which ideally positions reactive groups on the pre-mRNA for the necessary catalytic chemistry. The model is also consistent with available biochemical data on splicing reactions.




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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)