The RNase P ofDictostyelium discoideum

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a key enzyme involved in tRNA biosynthesis. It catalyses the endonucleolytic cleavage of nearly all tRNA precursors to produce 5-end matured tRNA. RNase P activity has been found in all organisms examined, from bacteria to mammals. Eubacterial RNase P RNA is the only known RNA enzyme which functionsin trans in nature. Similar behaviour has not been demonstrated in RNase P enzymes examined from archaebacteria or eukaryotes. Characterisation of RNase P enzymes from more diverse eukaryotic species, including the slime moldDictyostelium discoideum, is useful for comparative analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic RNase P.Abbreviations RNase P ribonuclease P - MN micrococcal nuclease