Target Modifications
The precise effect of the methylation and pseudouridylation modifications on the function of the mature RNAs is not yet known. The modifications do not appear to be essential but are known to subtly enhance the RNA folding and interaction with ribosomal proteins. In support of their importance, target site modifications are exclusively located within conserved and functionally important domains of the mature RNA and are commonly conserved amongst distant eukaryotes.
- 2'-O-methylated ribose causes an increase in the 3'-endo conformation
- Pseudouridine (psi/Ψ) adds another option for H-bonding.
- Heavily methylated RNA is protected from hydrolysis. rRNA acts as a ribozyme by catalyzing its own hydrolysis and splicing.
Read more about this topic: Small Nucleolar RNA
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