A novel three-dimensional model of tertiary interactions
in the core region of the eukaryotic selenocysteine tRNA
is proposed based on the analysis of available nucleotide
sequences. The model features the 7/5 tRNASec
secondary structure characterized by seven and five base
pairs in the acceptor and T-stems, respectively, and four
nucleotides in the connector region between the acceptor
and D-stems. The model suggests a unique system of tertiary
interactions in the area between the major groove of the
D-stem and the first base pair of the extra arm that provides
a rigid orientation of the extra arm and contributes to
the overall stability of the molecule. The model is consistent
with available experimental data on serylation, selenylation,
and phosphorylation of different tRNASec mutants.
The important similarity between the proposed model and
the structure of the tRNASer is shown. Based
on this similarity, the ability of some tRNASer
mutants to be serylated, selenylated, and phosphorylated
was evaluated and found to be in a good agreement with
experimental data.