Abstract: Methods, kits, and compositions of matter relating to poly(UG) polymerases are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: contacting an RNA substrate with a poly(UG) polymerase; and allowing the poly(UG) polymerase to add a poly(UG) sequence to the end of the RNA substrate by retaining contact between the RNA substrate and the poly(UG) polymerase for a period of time from about 1 second to about 28 days. The poly(UG) polymerase can be Caenorhabditis elegans RDE-3.

Abstract: Methods, kits, and compositions of matter suitable for use in RNA Tagging are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: expressing a fusion protein within the cellular environment, the fusion protein including at least part of the protein of interest and a tagging domain, the tagging domain introducing a selective tag to an RNA to which the fusion protein selectively binds, the selective tag including a selective tag sequence or a selective covalent modification; allowing the tagging domain to tag the RNA to which the protein of interest selectively binds by waiting for about 1 minute to about 28 days; and identifying the tagged RNA.

Abstract: Methods, kits, and compositions of matter relating to poly(UG) polymerases are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: contacting an RNA substrate with a poly(UG) polymerase; and allowing the poly(UG) polymerase to add a poly(UG) sequence to the end of the RNA substrate by retaining contact between the RNA substrate and the poly(UG) polymerase for a period of time from about 1 second to about 28 days. The poly(UG) polymerase can be Caenorhabditis elegans RDE-3.

Abstract: Methods, kits, and compositions of matter suitable for use in RNA Tagging are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: expressing a fusion protein within the cellular environment, the fusion protein including at least part of the protein of interest and a tagging domain, the tagging domain introducing a selective tag to an RNA to which the fusion protein selectively binds, the selective tag including a selective tag sequence or a selective covalent modification; allowing the tagging domain to tag the RNA to which the protein of interest selectively binds by waiting for about 1 minute to about 28 days; and identifying the tagged RNA.

Abstract: An isolated preparation of a regulatory poly(A) polymerase (PAP), wherein the polymerase comprises both a catalytic subunit and an RNA-binding subunit is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining the function of a test protein is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, this method comprises the steps of fusing a test protein to an RNA-binding protein and exposing the fusion protein to recombinant reporter mRNA molecule that comprises a binding site for the RNA-binding protein in the 3′ untranslated region. One then observes the properties of reporter mRNA and correlates the reporter properties with test protein function.

Abstract: A method for determining the function of a test protein is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, this method comprises the steps of fusing a test protein to an RNA-binding protein and exposing the fusion protein to recombinant reporter mRNA molecule that comprises a binding site for the RNA-binding protein in the 3' untranslated region. One then observes the properties of reporter mRNA and correlates the reporter properties with test protein function.

Abstract: A method for detecting an interaction between an RNA-binding protein and a test RNA molecule is disclosed. This method comprises providing a host cell containing a detectable gene. The detectable gene expresses a detectable protein when the detectable gene is activated by an amino acid sequence including a transcriptional activation domain when the transcriptional activation domain is in sufficient proximity to the detectable gene. First, second and third chimeric genes are also provided. The first chimeric gene comprises a DNA-binding domain that recognizes a binding site on the detectable gene in the host cell and a first RNA-binding domain. The second chimeric gene comprises a transcriptional activation domain and a second RNA-binding domain. The third chimeric gene comprises a first RNA sequence capable of binding to either the first or second RNA-binding and a second RNA sequence to be tested for interaction with the RNA-binding protein not bound to the first RNA sequence.

Abstract: Translation characteristics of an mRNA molecule in a cell can be altered by providing a prosthetic RNA molecule that includes a regulatory sequence element and a sequence element complementary to a portion of the mRNA molecule. Alteration can affect the translation rate, the mRNA stability, or the localization of the mRNA molecule.

Abstract: A method for detecting an interaction between an RNA-binding protein and a test RNA molecule is disclosed. This method comprises providing a host cell containing a detectable gene. The detectable gene expresses a detectable protein when the detectable gene is activated by an amino acid sequence including a transcriptional activation domain when the transcriptional activation domain is in sufficient proximity to the detectable gene. First, second and third chimeric genes are also provided. The first chimeric gene comprises a DNA-binding domain that recognizes a binding site on the detectable gene in the host cell and a first RNA-binding domain. The second chimeric gene comprises a transcriptional activation domain and a second RNA-binding domain. The third chimeric gene comprises a first RNA sequence capable of binding to either the first or second RNA-binding and a second RNA sequence to be tested for interaction with the RNA-binding protein not bound to the first RNA sequence.

Abstract: A method for detecting an interaction between an RNA-binding protein and a test RNA molecule is disclosed. This method comprises providing a host cell containing a detectable gene. The detectable gene expresses a detectable protein when the detectable gene is activated by an amino acid sequence including a transcriptional activation domain when the transcriptional activation domain is in sufficient proximity to the detectable gene. First, second and third chimeric genes are also provided. The first chimeric gene comprises a DNA-binding domain that recognizes a binding site on the detectable gene in the host cell and a first RNA-binding domain. The second chimeric gene comprises a transcriptional activation domain and a second RNA-binding domain. The third chimeric gene comprises a first RNA sequence capable of binding to either the first or second RNA-binding and a second RNA sequence to be tested for interaction with the RNA-binding protein not bound to the first RNA sequence.