RNP/Sm Bovine

The Bovine RNP/Sm Ribonucleoprotein Complex is a significant molecular entity within the realm of cellular biology. This complex is a part of the small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), which play a crucial role in the splicing of pre-mRNA, a fundamental process in gene expression.

The RNP/Sm complex is composed of small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and a set of proteins known as Sm proteins. These proteins aggregate into a heteroheptameric core, which is conserved across different snRNP subclasses . The seven Sm proteins form a ring structure that binds to the snRNA, creating a stable and functional unit essential for the splicing machinery.

The primary function of the RNP/Sm complex is to facilitate the splicing of pre-mRNA by forming spliceosomes. Spliceosomes are large ribonucleoprotein complexes that remove introns from pre-mRNA and ligate exons to produce mature mRNA. This process is vital for the accurate expression of genes and the production of functional proteins .

The RNP/Sm complex is also of interest in immunology. It is known to bind IgG-type human auto-antibodies, making it a target in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The presence of auto-antibodies against RNP/Sm is a diagnostic marker for SLE and other related autoimmune conditions .

In research, the Bovine RNP/Sm complex is used in various immunological assays, including ELISA and Western blotting. It is often employed to study the immune response and to develop diagnostic tools for autoimmune diseases . The complex is typically purified from bovine tissues using protein-chemical techniques and is available in both native and recombinant forms .

For laboratory use, the RNP/Sm complex is supplied in a buffer solution and should be stored at low temperatures to maintain its stability. It is recommended to avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles to preserve its functional integrity .