Human DND1-RRM2 forms a non-canonical domain swapped dimer

Abstract

RNA recognition motif (RRM) being the most abundant RNA binding domain in eukaryotes, is a major player in cellular regulation. Several variations in the canonical βαββαβ topology have been observed. We have determined the 2.3 Å crystal structure of the human DND1-RRM2 domain. The structure revealed an interesting non-canonical RRM fold, which is maintained by the formation of a 3D domain swapped dimer between β1 and β4 strands across protomers. We have delineated the structural basis of the stable domain swapped dimer formation using the residue level dynamics of protein explored by NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations. Our structural and dynamics studies substantiate major determinants and molecular basis for domain swapped dimerization observed in the RRM domain.