Ribonucleoprotein particle

A ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) is a complex formed between RNA and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs).

[1] The term RNP foci can also be used to denote intracellular compartments involved in processing of RNA transcripts.

Aromatic amino acid residues in RNA-binding proteins result in stacking interactions with RNA.

Lysine residues in the helical portion of RNA binding proteins help to stabilize interactions with other nucleic acids as a result of the force of attraction between the positively-charged lysine side chains and the negatively-charged phosphate "backbone" of RNA.

For example, in neurons where transcripts must be transported and stored in dendrites for the formation and strengthening of connections, in oocytes/embryos where mRNAs are stored for years before being translated, and in developing sperm cells where transcription is halted before development is complete.