RNA recognition motif (RRM) found in serine/arginine-rich splicing factor SRSF2, SRSF8 and similar proteins
This subfamily corresponds to the RRM of SRSF2 and SRSF8. SRSF2, also termed protein PR264, or splicing component, 35 kDa (splicing factor SC35 or SC-35), is a prototypical SR protein that plays important roles in the alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. It is also involved in transcription elongation by directly or indirectly mediating the recruitment of elongation factors to the C-terminal domain of polymerase II. SRSF2 is exclusively localized in the nucleus and is restricted to nuclear processes. It contains a single N-terminal RNA recognition motif (RRM), also termed RBD (RNA binding domain) or RNP (ribonucleoprotein domain), followed by a C-terminal RS domain rich in serine-arginine dipeptides. The RRM is responsible for the specific recognition of 5'-SSNG-3' (S=C/G) RNA. In the regulation of alternative splicing events, it specifically binds to cis-regulatory elements on the pre-mRNA. The RS domain modulates SRSF2 activity through phosphorylation, directly contacts RNA, and promotes protein-protein interactions with the spliceosome. SRSF8, also termed SRP46 or SFRS2B, is a novel mammalian SR splicing factor encoded by a PR264/SC35 functional retropseudogene. SRSF8 is localized in the nucleus and does not display the same activity as PR264/SC35. It functions as an essential splicing factor in complementing a HeLa cell S100 extract deficient in SR proteins. Like SRSF2, SRSF8 contains a single N-terminal RRM and a C-terminal RS domain.