Ribonucleoprotein

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ribonucleoprotein(RNP) is a compound that combined ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein together. It is one of the main components of nucleolus.

RNP is an RNA binding motif in an RNA binding protein. Aromatic amino acid residues in this RNP motif result in stacking interactions with RNA. Lysine residues in the helical portion of RNA binding proteins help to stabilize interations with nucleic acids. This nucleic acid binding is a result of highly positive nature of lysine side chains and the negative character of nucleic acid phosphate backbones.

Anti-RNP antibodies are linked to Mixed Connective Tissue Disease although nearly 40% of Lupus erythematosus patients will be positive for anti-RNP.