Unveiling the Structure of a Vital Protein Production Enzyme through Cryo-EM

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revealed the three-dimensional structure of the tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN) enzyme, shedding light on its interaction with precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs) and the excision of introns. TSEN plays a crucial role in the correct conversion of tRNAs, and mutations that disrupt its interaction with the RNA kinase CLP1 can lead to neurodegenerative disorders. The study provides insights into the structural basis of substrate recognition by TSEN and may aid in the development of potential therapies for related genetic disorders.