RNA Recognition by the MS2 Phage Coat Protein

Abstract

The interaction of MS2 coat protein and its translational operator hairpin is a very well-characterized RNA–protein complex. The recent high-resolution cocrystal structure successfully explains many biochemical experiments measuring the affinity of the protein–RNA interaction for mutant proteins and chemically modified RNAs. However, an analysis of a tight binding variant of the RNA suggests that the conformation of the free RNA is also an important determinant of the affinity.