Structure/function relationships within the RNA recognition motif family applied to the hermes gene product

The RNA Recognition Motif (RRM) family of RNA-binding domains comprises distinct structural subclasses which can be equated to various types of cognate RNA(s) in relation to biological functions. By identifying structural templates within the appropriate RRM subclass, we have homology-modelled the three-dimensional structure of the hermes gene-encoded RRM. Our findings lead us to propose potential RNA targets for the corresponding protein and to predict possible functions in RNA metabolism during heart development.