Moco RNA motif
Encyclopedia
The Moco RNA motif is a conserved RNA structure that is presumed to be a riboswitch
that binds molybdenum cofactor
or the related tungsten cofactor. Genetic experiments support the hypothesis that the Moco RNA motif corresponds to a genetic control element that responds to changing concentrations of molybdenum or tungsten cofactor . As these cofactors are not available in purified form, in vitro binding assays cannot be performed. However, the genetic data, complex structure of the RNA and the failure to detect a protein involved in the regulation suggest that the Moco RNA motif corresponds to a class of riboswitches.
Riboswitch
In molecular biology, a riboswitch is a part of an mRNA molecule that can directly bind a small target molecule, and whose binding of the target affects the gene's activity. Thus, an mRNA that contains a riboswitch is directly involved in regulating its own activity, in response to the...
that binds molybdenum cofactor
Molybdenum cofactor
Molybdenum cofactor is a cofactor required for the activity of enzymes such as sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidoreductase, and aldehyde oxidase. It is a coordination complex formed between molybdopterin and an oxide of molybdenum.Molybdopterins, in turn, are synthesized from guanosine triphosphate...
or the related tungsten cofactor. Genetic experiments support the hypothesis that the Moco RNA motif corresponds to a genetic control element that responds to changing concentrations of molybdenum or tungsten cofactor . As these cofactors are not available in purified form, in vitro binding assays cannot be performed. However, the genetic data, complex structure of the RNA and the failure to detect a protein involved in the regulation suggest that the Moco RNA motif corresponds to a class of riboswitches.