Figure 30

RNA-assisted (translational) protein folding (from [95]. There are three reverse and complementary regions in a mRNA (blue line, A): a-a', b-b', c-c', which fold the mRNA into a T-like shape. During the translation process the mRNA unfolds on the surface of the ribosome, but subsequently refolds, accompanied by its translated and lengthening peptide (red dotted line, B-F). The result of translation is a temporary ribonucleotide complex, which dissociates into two T-shape-like structures: the original mRNA and the properly folded protein product (G). The red circles indicate the specific, temporary attachment points between the RNA and protein (for example a basic amino acid); the blue circles indicate amino acids with exceptionally high affinity for the attachment points (e.g., acidic amino acids); these capture the amino acids at the attachment point and dissociate the ribonucleoprotein complex. Transfer RNAs are of course important participants in translation, but they are not included in this scenario.