Identification of GroEL as a constituent of an mRNA‐protection complex in Escherichia coli

Abstract
Summary: An RNA‐binding activity has been identified in Escherichia coli that provides physical protection of RNA against ribonucleases in an ATP‐ and Mg2+‐dependent manner. This binding activity is stimulated under growth conditions known to cause a decrease in the rate of mRNA decay. RNA protection is mediated by a protein complex that contains a modified form of the chaperonin GroEL as an indispensable constituent. These results suggest a new role for GroEL as an RNA chaperone.