Transfer RNAs are synthesized as longer forms that need to be processed, and ribonuclease P (RNase P) is the ribonuclease that clips off excess RNA to give the mature 5' end. It is found universally, except in Nanoarchaeum equitans, and this paper uncovers how rearrangements in the promoters of this archaeon's tRNA genes seem to have facilitated the generation of 'leaderless' tRNAs that no longer required RNase P processing.
- Lennart Randau
- Imke Schröder
- Dieter Söll
