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We investigate the RBD1-r(GUAGU) binding as a case study using all-atom models for the biomolecules, molecular models for water, and the currently most reliable statistical-mechanical method. RBD1 is one of the RNA-binding domains of mammalian Musashi1 (Msi1), and r(GUAGU) contains the minimum recognition sequence for Msi1, r(GUAG). We show that the binding is driven by a large gain of configurational entropy of water in the entire system. It is larger than the sum of conformational-entropy losses for RBD1 and r(GUAGU). The decrease in RBD1-r(GUAGU) interaction energy upon binding is largely cancelled out by the increase in the sum of RBD1-water, r(GUAGU)-water, and water-water interaction energies. We refer to this increase as "energetic dehydration". The decrease is larger than the increase for the van der Waals component, whereas the opposite is true for the electrostatic component. We give a novel reason for the empirically known fact that protein residues possessing side chains with positive charges and with flat moieties frequently appear within protein-RNA binding interfaces. A physical picture of the general protein-RNA binding mechanism is then presented. To achieve a sufficiently large water-entropy gain, shape complementarity at the atomic level needs to be constructed by utilizing the stacking and sandwiching of flat moieties (aromatic rings of the protein and nucleobases of RNA) as fundamental motifs. To compensate for electrostatic energetic dehydration, charge complementarity becomes crucial within the binding interface. We argue the reason why the RNA recognition motif (RRM) is the most ubiquitous RNA binding domain.

Musashi1 (Msi1) is an RNA-binding protein that is involved in cell fate determination. Here, we report the 1 H, 15 N, and 13 C resonance assignments of Msi1 second RNA-binding domain in free form and in complex with RNA. The assignments can be utilized for NMR structure and dynamics analyses of the Msi1:RNA complex, and moreover, for chemical shift perturbation analyses to evaluate the binding of potential small molecule inhibitors against Msi1:RNA interaction.

Musashi-1 (Msi1) controls the maintenance of stem cells and tumorigenesis through binding to its target mRNAs and subsequent translational regulation. Msi1 has two RNA-binding domains (RBDs), RBD1 and RBD2, which recognize r(GUAG) and r(UAG), respectively. These minimal recognition sequences are connected by variable linkers in the Msi1 target mRNAs, however, the molecular mechanism by which Msi1 recognizes its targets is not yet understood. We previously determined the solution structure of the Msi1 RBD1:r(GUAGU) complex. Here, we determined the first structure of the RBD2:r(GUAGU) complex. The structure revealed that the central trinucleotide, r(UAG), is specifically recognized by the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding and aromatic stacking interactions. Importantly, the C-terminal region, which is disordered in the free form, took a certain conformation, resembling a helix. The observation of chemical shift perturbation and intermolecular NOEs, together with increases in the heteronuclear steady-state {¹H}- 15 N NOE values on complex formation, indicated the involvement of the C-terminal region in RNA binding. On the basis of the two complex structures, we built a structural model of consecutive RBDs with r(UAGGUAG) containing both minimal recognition sequences, which resulted in no steric hindrance. The model suggests recognition of variable lengths ( n ) of the linker up to n = 50 may be possible., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Mammalian Musashi1 (Msi1) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the translation of target mRNAs, and participates in the maintenance of cell 'stemness' and tumorigenesis. Msi1 reportedly binds to the 3'-untranslated region of mRNA of Numb, which encodes Notch inhibitor, and impedes initiation of its translation by competing with eIF4G for PABP binding, resulting in triggering of Notch signaling. Here, the mechanism by which Msi1 recognizes the target RNA sequence using its Ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-type RNA-binding domains (RBDs), RBD1 and RBD2 has been revealed on identification of the minimal binding RNA for each RBD and determination of the three-dimensional structure of the RBD1:RNA complex. Unique interactions were found for the recognition of the target sequence by Msi1 RBD1: adenine is sandwiched by two phenylalanines and guanine is stacked on the tryptophan in the loop between β1 and α1. The minimal recognition sequences that we have defined for Msi1 RBD1 and RBD2 have actually been found in many Msi1 target mRNAs reported to date. The present study provides molecular clues for understanding the biology involving Musashi family proteins.

Musashi protein is supposed to be involved in the regulation of differentiation of neural stem cells. Musashi binds to 3' untranslated region of target mRNA and represses the translation of mRNA. Musashi has two tandem RNA-binding domains (RBDs), RBD1 and RBD2. Both RBDs cooperatively bind to the target mRNA. Here, we determined the structure of RBD1-RBD2 in complex with target RNA. First, the structures of two RBDs in the complex were determined on the basis of short-range distance restrains derived from NOEs. However, the relative position of two RBDs was not determined due to the lack of long-range distance restraints across two RBDs. In order to overcome the situation, we introduced the paramagnetic center into Musashi by attaching MTSL carrying the NO radical. The long-range distance restraints (ca. 20-40 A) between two RBDs were derived from paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) caused by the paramagnetic center. The relative position of two RBDs was successfully determined on the basis of these long-range distance restraints. The change in the relative position of two RBDs on binding to the target RNA was also detected by PRE. The determined structure of RBD1-RBD2 in the complex has suggested how Musashi recognizes its target mRNA.

Interactions with DNA and RNA of three different proteins involved in the regulation of (1) transcription, (2) translation, and (3) telomere elongation were examined by NMR. In the first case, the combination of structural determination, dynamical analysis on the basis of relaxation data and identification of interactive surface for wild and phosphorylation-mimicking mutant proteins has given the insight on the increase of DNA-binding affinity through phosphorylation of the protein. In the second case, the arrangement of two tandem domains interacting with RNA has been determined with residual dipolar couplings and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, which has given the idea on how the two tandem domains recognize the target RNA. In the third case, simultaneous binding of the other two tandem domains to both DNA and RNA has been analyzed with chemical shift perturbation analysis. The result has suggested that the protein composed of two tandem domains can recruit telomerase to telomere DNA.

An RNA aptamer containing two binding sites of HIV Tat exhibits extremely high affinity to Tat. We have determined the structure of the aptamer complexed with an RNA-binding peptide of Tat. The analysis was made feasible by the use of several peptides in which a single arginine residue was specifically 13C, 15N-labeled. Residue specific labeling of the peptide enhanced the identification of intermolecular contacts, which are otherwise hard to identify due to spectral overlapping. The structure of the complex has revealed the origin of the high affinity of the aptamer to Tat.

Musashi1 is an RNA-binding protein abundantly expressed in the developing mouse central nervous system. Its restricted expression in neural precursor cells suggests that it is involved in maintenance of the character of progenitor cells. Musashi1 contains two ribonucleoprotein-type RNA-binding domains (RBDs), RBD1 and RBD2, the affinity to RNA of RBD1 being much higher than that of RBD2. We previously reported the structure and mode of interaction with RNA of RBD2. Here, we have determined the structure and mode of interaction with RNA of RBD1. We have also analyzed the surface electrostatic potential and backbone dynamics of both RBDs. The two RBDs exhibit the same ribo-nucleoprotein-type fold and commonly make contact with RNA on the beta-sheet side. On the other hand, there is a remarkable difference in surface electrostatic potential, the beta-sheet of RBD1 being positively charged, which is favorable for binding negatively charged RNA, but that of RBD2 being almost neutral. There is also a difference in backbone dynamics, the central portion of the beta-sheet of RBD1 being flexible, but that of RBD2 not being flexible. The flexibility of RBD1 may be utilized in the recognition process to facilitate an induced fit. Thus, comparative studies have revealed the origin of the higher affinity of RBD1 than that of RBD2 and indicated that the affinity of an RBD to RNA is not governed by its fold alone but is also determined by its surface electrostatic potential and/or backbone dynamics. The biological role of RBD2 with lower affinity is also discussed.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) D0 has two ribonucleoprotein (RNP) -type RNA-binding domains (RBDs), each of which can specifically bind to the UUAG-sequence. hnRNP D0 also binds specifically to single-stranded d(TTAGGG)(n), the human telomeric DNA repeat. We have already reported the structure and interactions with RNA of the N-terminal RBD (RBD1). Here, the structure of the C-terminal RBD (RBD2) determined by NMR is presented. It folds into a compact alpha beta structure comprising an antiparallel beta-sheet packed against two alpha-helices, which is characteristic of RNP-type RBDs. In addition to the four beta-strands commonly found in RNP-type RBDs, an extra beta-strand, termed beta 4(-), was found just before the fourth beta-strand, yielding a five-stranded beta-sheet. Candidate residues of RBD2 involved in the interactions with RNA were identified by chemical shift perturbation analysis. Perturbation was detected on the beta-sheet side, not on the opposite alpha-helix side, as observed for RBD1. It is notable that the beta 4(-) to beta 4 region of RBD2 is involved in the interactions in contrast to the case of RBD1. The chemical shift perturbation analysis also showed that RBD2 interacts with DNA in essentially the same way as with RNA. Changes in the backbone dynamics upon complex formation with DNA were examined by means of model free analysis of relaxation data. In free RBD2, the beta 4(-) to beta 4 region exhibits slow conformational exchange on the milli- to microsecond time scale. The exchange is quenched upon complex formation. The flexibility of free RBD2 may be utilized in the recognition process by allowing different conformational states to be accessed and facilitating induced fit. Additionally, faster flexibility on the nano- to picosecond time scale was observed for loop 3 located between beta 2 and beta 3 in free RBD2, which is retained by the complex as well., (Copyright 2001 Academic Press.)

Musashi1 is an RNA-binding protein abundantly expressed in the developing mouse central nervous system. Its restricted expression in neural precursor cells suggests that it is involved in the regulation of asymmetric cell division. Musashi1 contains two ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-type RNA-binding domains (RBDs), RBD1 and RBD2. Our previous studies showed that RBD1 alone binds to RNA, while the binding of RBD2 is not detected under the same conditions. Joining of RBD2 to RBD1, however, increases the affinity to greater than that of RBD1 alone, indicating that RBD2 contributes to RNA-binding. We have determined the three-dimensional solution structure of the C-terminal RBD (RBD2) of Musashi1 by NMR. It folds into a compact alpha beta structure comprising a four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet packed against two alpha-helices, which is characteristic of RNP-type RBDs. Special structural features of RBD2 include a beta-bulge in beta2 and a shallow twist of the beta-sheet. The smaller 1H-15N nuclear Overhauser enhancement values for the residues of loop 3 between beta2 and beta3 suggest that this loop is flexible in the time-scale of nano- to picosecond order. The smaller 15N T2 values for the residues around the border between alpha2 and the following loop (loop 5) suggest this region undergoes conformational exchange in the milli- to microsecond time-scale. Chemical shift perturbation analysis indicated that RBD2 binds to an RNA oligomer obtained by in vitro selection under the conditions for NMR measurements, and thus the nature of the weak RNA-binding of RBD2 was successfully characterized by NMR, which is otherwise difficult to assess. Mainly the residues of the surface composed of the four-stranded beta-sheet, loops and C-terminal region are involved in the interaction. The appearance of side-chain NH proton resonances of arginine residues of loop 3 and imino proton resonances of RNA bases upon complex formation suggests the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The structural arrangement of the rings of the conserved aromatic residues of beta2 and beta3 is suitable for stacking interaction with RNA bases, known to be one of the major protein-RNA interactions, but a survey of the perturbation data suggested that the stacking interaction is not ideally achieved in the complex, which may be related to the weaker RNA-binding of RBD2., (Copyright 1999 Academic Press.)

mouse-Musashi-1 (m-Msi-1) is an RNA-binding protein, abundantly expressed in the developing mammalian central nervous system (CNS). m-Msi-1 contains two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). In this study, we found that the N-terminal RRM of m-Msi-1 (MMA) binds strongly to poly(G) and weakly to poly(U) in a way similar to that of the full-length m-Msi-1 protein characterized previously. The C-terminal RRM of m-Msi-1 (MMB), however, does not bind to RNA. In addition, the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the two RRMs showed that the alpha-helical content of MMA is significantly higher than that of MMB, indicating that some differences in the secondary structure may be responsible for the distinct RNA binding properties of MMA and MMB.