Snurps and scyrps

The current picture of snRNPs and scRNPs has emerged from the union of knowledge in two distinct fields-small RNAs and antigen-antibody systems associated with lupus erythematosus and it has become apparent that different ones can be grouped according to the proteins they bind.

Abstract

Small nuclear and cytoplasmic ribonucleoproteinssnRNPs and scRNPs (pronounced snurps and scyrps)-are complexes of small RNAs with protein, found in eucaryotic cells. They fall into discrete classes, are abundant and are highly conserved across species. The idea that these particles might utilize intermolecular RNA-RNA interactions to provide the precise recognition necessary for the accurate processing of RNA transcripts has suggested possible roles for snRNPs and scRNPs in the metabolism of other RNA molecules. Already there exists evidence implicating one snRNP in the splicing of hnRNA. Our current picture of snRNPs and scRNPs has emerged from the union of knowledge in two distinct fields-small RNAs (see Zieve, Cell 25, 296-297, 1981) and antigen-antibody systems associated with lupus erythematosus. Although small nuclear RNAs have been known to exist for some time, their functions have remained mysterious. Recently it has become apparent that different ones can be grouped according to the proteins they bind. The small ribonucleoprotein particles we focus on here fall into three classes and one subclass: the Sm snRNPs [with subclass (Ul)RNP], the Ro scRNPs and the La snRNPs. Each class is specifically recognized by antibodies from different lupus patients (see Table).