Crystal structure of unusual RNA duplex containing strontium ion binding motif

Crystal structures of several functional non-coding RNAs, such as ribozymes, aptamers, ribosomes and tRNAs, have been reported so far. Unusual structural motifs and non-complementary base pairs are important for their functions. In the present study, we have determined a crystal structure of an unusual RNA duplex containing a strontium ion binding motif. A 19 mer RNA (5'-UUGUCGCUU[Br]CGAAAAAGUC-3') was chemical synthesized and purified by denaturing PAGE. Crystallizations were performed by the sitting-drop vapor diffusion method. The initial phase was solved by the SAD method. Atomic parameters were refined at a resolution of 3.0 Å. The 19 mer RNA forms an unusual antiparallel duplex. At both ends of the duplex, the Watson-Crick G=C and A-U and the Wobble GoU and AoC base pairs are formed. The Wobble C10oA14* pair is available only in acidic condition by protonation of N1 of A14* (* indicates residues of the opposite strand). Two hydrogen bonds, N1-H(A14*)...O2(C10) and N6-H(A14*)...N3(C10), are observed in the base pair. In the center of the duplex, two sheared G11oA13* and G11*oA13 base pairs are formed. The distance between two RNA chains becomes shorter by the GoA base pair and hydrogen bonds between the Watson-Crick edge of G11 and the phosphate group of A12*. Therefore, the central A12 residue cannot make a base pair, but it makes a stacking interaction with A12*. The A12 residue stacks also with A13 of the sheared GoA base pair. As a result, an A13-A12-A12*-A13* stacked column is formed at the minor groove of the duplex, and the G11 base of the sheared GoA base pair is inclined toward the minor groove. By taking such a unique structure, the RNA duplex has a Sr2+ ion binding pocket in the center. A hydrated Sr2+ ion binds to O6 and N7 of G11 and G11*. The Sr2+ ion is surrounded by four phosphate groups of two RNA chains. The Sr2+ ion is tightly captured by eight hydrogen bonds in total.