Molecular mimicry: Structural camouflage of proteins and nucleic acids

When it comes to protein specificity and function their three-dimensional structure is the ultimate determinant. Thus, sequences that participate in key parts, such as catalytic sites or DNA binding have been favored and maintained highly conserved during evolution. However, in a reversal of fortune, selection has favored conservation of shapes over sequence, especially when proteins look like nucleic acids. Proteins from pathogens evade the host's defenses because they are shaped as DNA; others use such a disguise for transcriptional regulation. Several factors are tRNA look-alikes so that they can efficiently control the process of protein synthesis. Molecular mimicry among RNAs could result in a new unexplored level in gene regulation. This comprehensive review outlines this important area and aims to emphasize that molecular mimicry could in fact be more widespread than initially thought and eventually adds a new layer of genetic regulation.