What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to investigate how the RFN element in prokaryotic mRNAs regulates gene expression by binding FMN.

November 27, 2002Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences719 citationsOpen Access

An mRNA structure that controls gene expression by binding FMN

WWWade C. Winkler SCSmadar Cohen‐Chalamish RBRonald R. Breaker

Key Points

This study aims to investigate how the RFN element in prokaryotic mRNAs regulates gene expression by binding FMN.
Analyses of sequence and structure of RFN elements in prokaryotic mRNAs.
Characterization of FMN-binding properties of the RFN element as a riboswitch.
Examination of the effects on transcription termination in Bacillus subtilis.
The RFN element binds FMN directly and functions as a natural FMN-binding aptamer.
In Bacillus subtilis, the riboswitch causes premature transcription termination of the ribDEAHT operon.
Binding of FMN disrupts access to the ribosome-binding site of ypaA mRNA.

Abstract

The RFN element is a highly conserved domain that is found frequently in the 5'-untranslated regions of prokaryotic mRNAs that encode for flavin mononucleotide (FMN) biosynthesis and transport proteins. We report that this domain serves as the receptor for a metabolite-dependent riboswitch that directly binds FMN in the absence of proteins. Our results also indicate that in Bacillus subtilis, the riboswitch most likely controls gene expression by causing premature transcription termination of the ribDEAHT operon and precluding access to the ribosome-binding site of ypaA mRNA. Sequence and structural analyses indicate that the RFN element is a natural FMN-binding aptamer, the allosteric character of which is harnessed to control gene expression.

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