Single-molecule analysis of processive double-stranded RNA cleavage by Drosophila Dicer-2

Abstract

Fly Dicer-2 is thought to use two distinct – processive or distributive – modes of cleavage by distinguishing the terminal structures of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) substrates with the help of its cofactor LoquaciousPD (Loqs-PD). Here the authors show by single-molecule imaging that dsRNA terminal structures and Loqs-PD change the probability for Dicer to initiate processive cleavage but not the mode of cleavage action per se.