Sequence and structure correlation of human ribosomal transcribed spacers

J Mol Biol. 1990 Mar 5;212(1):27-35. doi: 10.1016/0022-2836(90)90302-3.

Abstract

We report the sequences of the transcribed spacers of human rRNA that now allow us to piece together the entire primary transcript sequence of approximately 13.3 x 10(3) base-pairs. Comparison of transcribed spacer sequences with those of variable regions of rRNA and with those of the non-transcribed spacers supports the hypothesis that the variable regions are descended from transcribed spacers. Nucleotide sequence-derived secondary structures for the 5' external transcribed spacer and for internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 match both the sizes and shapes of the structures that were visualized 15 years ago on electron micrographs. Parts of these structures are conserved in mammals and may be related to transcript processing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal

Associated data

  • GENBANK/X17623
  • GENBANK/X17624
  • GENBANK/X17625
  • GENBANK/X17626