RNA recognition motif (RRM) found in heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP C)-related proteins
This subfamily corresponds to the RRM in the hnRNP C-related protein family, including hnRNP C proteins, Raly, and Raly-like protein (RALYL). hnRNP C proteins, C1 and C2, are produced by a single coding sequence. They are the major constituents of the heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) complex in vertebrates. They bind hnRNA tightly, suggesting a central role in the formation of the ubiquitous hnRNP complex; they are involved in the packaging of the hnRNA in the nucleus and in processing of pre-mRNA such as splicing and 3'-end formation. Raly, also termed autoantigen p542, is an RNA-binding protein that may play a critical role in embryonic development. The biological role of RALYL remains unclear. It shows high sequence homology with hnRNP C proteins and Raly. Members of this family are characterized by an N-terminal RNA recognition motif (RRM), also termed RBD (RNA binding domain) or RNP (ribonucleoprotein domain), and a C-terminal auxiliary domain. The Raly proteins contain a glycine/serine-rich stretch within the C-terminal regions, which is absent in the hnRNP C proteins. Thus, the Raly proteins represent a newly identified class of evolutionarily conserved autoepitopes.