Moco RNA motif

The Moco RNA motif is a conserved RNA structure [1] 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.

[2] 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.

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Consensus secondary structure of Moco RNAs. Layout is similar to a previously published figure. [ 2 ]