InterPro domain: IPR036483

The PWI domain, named after a highly conserved PWI tri-peptide located within its N-terminal region, is a ~80 amino acid module, which is found either at the N terminus or at the C terminus of eukaryotic proteins involved in pre-mRNA processing [ 1 ]. It is generally found in association with other domains such as RRM and RS. The PWI domain is a RNA/DNA-binding domain that has an equal preference for single- and double-stranded nucleic acids and is likely to have multiple important functions in pre-mRNA processing [ 2 ]. Proteins containing this domain include the SR-related nuclear matrix protein of 160kDa (SRm160) splicing and 3'-end cleavage-stimulatory factor, and the mammalian splicing factor PRP3.

The PWI domain is a soluble, globular and independently folded domain which consists of a four-helix bundle, with structured N- and C-terminal elements [ 3 ].

This entry represents the PWI domain superfamily.

1. The PWI motif: a new protein domain in splicing factors. Trends Biochem. Sci. 24, 179-80
2. Structure and function of the PWI motif: a novel nucleic acid-binding domain that facilitates pre-mRNA processing. Genes Dev. 17, 461-75