Structure of the human telomerase

RNA pseudoknot

C.A. Theimer, C.A. Blois, and J. Feigon: “Structure of the human telomerase RNA pseudoknot reveals conserved tertiary interactions essential for function”, Mol. Cell 17, 671-682 (2005).

PDB Code: 1YMO

The solution structure of the conserved pseudoknot in the core domain of human telomerase RNA, rendered as bonds covered by a molecular surface (colored by structural element) is shown. Three minor groove base triples, a junction loop-loop Hoogsteen base pair, and two major groove base triples (shown above the structure and as background) form an extended triple helix that stabilizes the pseudoknot structure. Mutations that disrupt the tertiary interactions affect telomerase activity [Mol. Cell cover image].