Molecular Model for Messenger RNA Splicing

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Abstract
A molecular model is presented for a mRNA splice region. The model requires cation coordination to reduce backbone-backbone electrostatic repulsion and it allows for every base residue on the pre-mRNA to be stacked in A-form helical geometry with a recognition element on the intron or exon (or both) sides of the splice junction. The 2 nucleotides involved in the initial steps of the cleavage-ligation mechanism must adopt a non-A-form geometry, which ideally positions reactive groups on the pre-mRNA for the necessary catalytic chemistry. The model is also consistent with available biochemical data on splicing reactions.