ABSTRACT
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in each step o f RNA metabolism. Most o f them are composed o f small RNA binding domains (RBDs) that are needed for their recruitment to specific RNA targets. The mode o f RNA recognition o f these RBDs has been studied by structural biologists for more than 20 years and seems to be highly versatile. In this chapter we review the current structural knowledge about RNA recognition by the four main RBD families, namely RN A recognition motifs (RRMs), zinc fingers, K H domains and double-stranded RNA binding motifs (dsRBMs) detailing how structural data have brought information essential for a better understanding o f RBP functions.
