The RNase P of Dictyostelium discoideum

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a key enzyme involved in tRNA biosynthesis. It catalyses the endonucleolytic cleavage of nearly all tRNA precursors to produce 5'-end matured tRNA. RNase P activity has been found in all organisms examined, from bacteria to mammals. Eubacterial RNase P RNA is the only known RNA enzyme which functions in trans in nature. Similar behaviour has not been demonstrated in RNase P enzymes examined from archaebacteria or eukaryotes. Characterisation of RNase P enzymes from more diverse eukaryotic species, including the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, is useful for comparative analysis of the structure and function of eukaryotic RNase P.