The binding of small ligands to RNAs is a mechanism for regulation of gene expression in bacteria, fungi and plants. This work describes the first RNA switch to be identified in human cells. This element in the 3′ UTR of the VEGFA mRNA can bind two different complexes, GAIT or HNRNPL. The binding of one induces a specific conformation that precludes binding of the other. Which factor is bound depends on environmental signals indicating inflammatory and hypoxic status.
- Partho Sarothi Ray
- Jie Jia
- Paul L. Fox