Introduction - This script shows the structure of an unusual single-stranded RNA-binding protein, the TRP RNA-binding attenuation protein. This protein binds tomRNAs involved in Trp biosynthesis and inhibits their maturation. Scroll down until the text corresponding to the view is visible. (Based on 1c9s.pdb, Chen et al., Nature 401, 235 (1999)).
Here is a top view of the RNA-protein complex. There are 11 subunits in the protein. Each subunit is composed of antiparallel b-sheets. The RNA is shown in spacefill and wrpas around the outside of the protein.
Here is a view from the side.
Here is another side view in spacefill showing how tightly the RNA wraps around the protein.
Here is one of the 11 subunits which binds to 5 nucleotides in the RNA The binding is specific for the sequence GAGAU.
All the binding occurs to the GAG sequence (CPK colors). The AU serve as a linker between GAGs and they are base stacked and not bound to the protein.