Structural modeling of RNase P RNA of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3

► Pyrococcus horikoshii RNase P RNA (PhopRNA) is central to the catalytic process. ► Sequence and structural comparison were combined to generate a 3-D model of PhopRNA. ► Solution structure of PhopRNA was examined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). ► Overall shape of PhopRNA derived from SAXS is similar to the comparative 3-D model. ► The 3-D model provides a framework for a better understanding of archaeal RNase Ps.