Structural Basis for piRNA 2-O-methylated 3-end Recognition by Piwi PAZ (Piwi/Argonaute/Awille) Domains
Argonaute and Piwi proteins are key players in the RNA silencing pathway, with the former interacting with micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and siRNAs, whereas the latter targets piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that are 2'-O-methylated (2'-OCH{sub 3}) at their 3' ends. Germline-specific piRNAs and Piwi proteins play a critical role in genome defense against transposable elements, thereby protecting the genome against transposon-induced defects in gametogenesis and fertility. Humans contain four Piwi family proteins designated Hiwi1, Hiwi2, Hiwi3, and Hili. We report on the structures of Hili-PAZ (Piwi/Argonaute/Zwille) domain in the free state and Hiwi1 PAZ domain bound to self-complementary 14-mer RNAs (12-bp + 2-nt overhang) containing 2'-OCH{sub 3} and 2'-OH at their 3' ends. These structures explain the molecular basis underlying accommodation of the 2'-OCH{sub 3} group within a preformed Hiwi1 PAZ domain binding pocket, whose hydrophobic characteristics account for the preferential binding of 2'-OCH{sub 3} over 2'-OH 3' ends. These results contrast with the more restricted binding pocket for the human Ago1 PAZ domain, which exhibits a reverse order, with preferential binding of 2'-OH over 2'-OCH{sub 3} 3' ends.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE SC OFFICE OF SCIENCE (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 1041665
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-97343-2012-JA; PNASA6; TRN: US201212%%83
- Journal Information:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Vol. 108, Issue 3; ISSN 0027-8424
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Expression of the Argonaute protein PiwiL2 and piRNAs in adult mouse mesenchymal stem cells
Detection of PIWI and piRNAs in the mitochondria of mammalian cancer cells