核糖开关——一种基因表达调控元件

Riboswitch:a gene expression regulatory element

核糖开关是最近发现的一种新的基因表达调控机制,核糖开关位于mRNA非翻译区,能不借助任何蛋白质直接结合小分子代谢物,在转录水平或翻译水平上调控基因表达。本文主要介绍了核糖开关的种类、结构特点和一般作用机制,简要介绍腺嘌呤核糖开关和硫胺素焦磷酸核糖开关的作用机制。

Riboswitch, a newly-found gene expression regulation mechanism, is in the 5′ or 3′ untranslated regions （5′or 3′ UTR） of mRNA. It can recognize and bind small-molecule metabolites without the participation of any protein, and then regulate gene expression at both transcription and translational levels. This paper mainly introduces the types, structural characteristics of riboswitches, and the mechanism of adenine riboswitch, as well as the mechanism of thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitch.