Mitochondria-Targeted PPR Protein

PPR proteins, comprising a large group of RNA binding proteins in terrestrial plants, function as sequence-specific single-stranded RNA binding proteins that modulate mitochondrial and chloroplast gene expression through post-transcriptional processes, such as RNA cleavage, splicing, stabilization, degradation, and editing. In a similar manner to most other RF-related PPR proteins, RFP belongs to the classical P subclass of proteins, which thus far have been shown to lack catalytic sites. Therefore, RFP may function with additional factors. As a next step, we will attempt to express RFP protein in vitro or in vivo and identify its cofactor(s). The current results provide a basis for investigating how RFP acts with other cofactor(s) to recognize CMS-related mRNAs and target them for the next processing step. In addition, our findings lay the foundation for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of CMS fertility restoration and the nuclear–mitochondrial interactions in CMS/Rf systems.

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