LtrA

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ltrA is a gene typically found in group II introns. It encodes the intron-encoded protein, or IEP.

Group II introns are self-splicing ribozymes; that is, they are able to catalyze their own addition into target DNA. Once the DNA is transcribed into RNA, the introns may splice out with the help of the IEP, which is believed to assist the ribozyme in adopting its catalytic conformation. After splicing out, the IEP typically remains bound to the intron, and assists with retrohoming (recognition of the target site).

[edit] Reference

• UniProtKB: Group II intron-encoded protein ltrA