RNA recognition by minimal ProQ from .

minimal ProQ is a global RNA-binding protein belonging to the family of FinO-domain proteins. The ProQ consists only of the FinO domain accompanied by short N- and C-terminal extensions. To better understand how this minimal FinO-domain protein recognizes RNAs, we compared its binding to seven different natural RNA ligands of this protein. Next, two of these RNAs, -3' and AniS, were subject to further mutational studies. The data showed that ProQ binds the lower part of the intrinsic transcription terminator hairpin, and that the single-stranded sequences on the 5' and 3' side of the terminator stem are required for tight binding. However, the specific lengths of 5' and 3' RNA sequences required for optimal binding differed between the two RNAs. Additionally, our data show that the 2'-OH and 3'-OH groups of the 3' terminal ribose contribute to RNA binding by ProQ. In summary, the minimal ProQ protein from has generally similar requirements for RNA binding as the isolated FinO domains of other proteins of this family, but differs from them in detailed RNA features that are optimal for specific RNA recognition.