The RNA recognition motif, a plastic RNA‐binding platform to regulate post‐transcriptional gene expression

The RNA recognition motif (RRM), also known as RNA-binding domain (RBD) or ribonucleoprotein domain (RNP) is one of the most abundant protein domains in eukaryotes. Based on the comparison of more than 40 structures including 15 complexes (RRM-RNA or RRM-protein), we reviewed the structure-function relationships of this domain. We identified and classified the different structural elements of the RRM that are important for binding a multitude of RNA sequences and proteins. Common structural aspects were extracted that allowed us to define a structural leitmotif of the RRM-nucleic acid interface with its variations. Outside of the two conserved RNP motifs that lie in the center of the RRM beta-sheet, the two…