The 23S methyl RNA motif is a conserved RNA structure found upstream of genes predicted to encode rRNA methyltransferases, possibly for 23S rRNA.^[1] However, in one case it is far (3 kilobases) from the rRNA methyltransferase gene. Nonetheless, it was proposed that this RNA could be a cis-regulatory element, an attractive hypothesis as rRNA methyltransferases can bind RNA, and therefore presumably the 23S methyl RNA. This regulatory strategy is common in bacteria to control levels of ribosomal subunits, using RNA motifs called ribosomal leaders. Additionally, 23S methyl RNAs have rho-independent transcription terminators downstream, which could be a mechanism of regulation.^[1]

This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. (November 2021)

Quick Facts Identifiers, Symbol ...

23S methyl RNA motif
Predicted secondary structure and sequence conservation of 23S methyl RNA motif
Identifiers
Symbol	23S-methyl
Rfam	RF01065
Other data
RNA type	Cis-reg
Domain(s)	Bacteria
SO	SO:0005836
PDB structures	PDBe

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The 23S methyl RNA is found exclusively in the order of bacteria called Lactobacillales.^[1]