Structural basis for assembly and function of the 7SK snRNP complex

RNA plays a central role in the precise control of several biological processes including transcription, translation and DNA replication. As such, correct function of RNA-mediated processes is vital for maintaining cell homeostasis thereby avoiding malignancy. The recent structure of human LARP7 and its binding site on 7SK RNA by Feigon and co-workers (1) reveals molecular details into how this protein-RNA interaction contributes to 7SK RNA recognition and provides insights into the assembly of the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex for correct transcriptional control.