Structure function relationship in pri-miRNAs processing
Plant pri-miRNAs exhibit remarkable structural diversity and are processed via five distinct pathways, each guided by specific structural rulers and motifs that influence cleavage sites.
RNA secondary structure (RSS) is the key determinant of pri-miRNA processing efficiency and precision. Recent findings highlight that accurate RSS characterization primarily requires experimental validation rather than relying solely on computational predictions.
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revealed the architecture of DCL1 and proposes precise cleavage events. Mutations that alter enzymatic efficiency indicate regulatory mechanisms that are intrinsic to DCL1 structure and function.
Unresolved flexible regions and conflicting biochemical data emphasize the need for integrative structural and functional analyses to fully understand primiRNA processing.
https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(25)00224-9
