Oligomeric transition and dynamics of RNA binding by the HuR RRM1 domain in solution
Abstract
Human antigen R (HuR) functions as a major post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression through its RNA-binding activity. HuR is composed by three RNA recognition motifs, namely RRM1, RRM2, and RRM3. The two N-terminal RRM domains are disposed in tandem and contribute mostly to HuR interaction with adenine and uracil-rich elements (ARE) in mRNA. Here, we used a combination of NMR and electrospray ionizationā??ion mobility spectrometryā??mass spectrometry (ESIā??IMSā??MS) to characterize the structure, dynamics, RNA recognition, and dimerization of HuR RRM1. Our solution structure reveals a canonical RRM fold containing a 19-residue, intrinsically disordered N-terminal extension, which is not involved in RNA binding. NMR titration results confirm the primary RNA-binding site to the two central Ī²-strands, Ī²1 and Ī²3, for a cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2) ARE I-derived, 7-nucleotide RNA ligand. We show by 15N relaxation that, in addition to the N- and C-termini, the Ī²2ā??Ī²3 loop undergoes fast backbone dynamics (psā??ns) both in the free and RNA-bound state, indicating that no structural ordering happens upon RNA interaction. ESIā??IMSā??MS reveals that HuR RRM1 dimerizes, however dimer population represents a minority. Dimerization occurs via the Ī±-helical surface, which is oppositely orientated to the RNA-binding Ī²-sheet. By using a DNA analog of the Cox2 ARE I, we show that DNA binding stabilizes HuR RRM1 monomer and shifts the monomerā??dimer equilibrium toward the monomeric species. Altogether, our results deepen the current understanding of the mechanism of RNA recognition employed by HuR.
Source: Journal of Biomolecular NMR