The La protein-RNA complex surfaces.

A recent issue of Molecular Cell reported that the typical nucleic acid binding surfaces of the RRM and winged-helix motifs, although present in the RNA binding protein La, are not used to engage its best-characterized ligand, 3' UUU-OH. Instead, La uses edgewise and backsides of these motifs for UUU-OH recognition, leaving open their typical surfaces for other potential interactions. These observations provide a framework for appreciating the various activities attributed to this ubiquitous nuclear phosphoprotein, which include its principal function, snRNA 3' end protection, in addition to mRNA-related and RNA chaperone-like activities, as well as DNA and chromatin-associated activity.