A trifunctional, triangular RNA–protein complex

•Three RNA segments were designed to produce a trifunctional triangular shaped RNP.•The protein-attached segments assemble to form the RNP via kissing loop interactions.•The trifunctionalization of the RNP was confirmed empirically.

Multifunctional molecular complexes are valuable tools with a variety of applications. We have developed an RNA–protein complex (RNP) containing three different proteins attached to the tips of a triangular RNA scaffold. We designed and constructed three RNA strands that specifically bind a ribosomal protein, L7Ae, and that autonomously form a single triangular RNP via RNA kissing loop (KL) interactions. This RNP-based approach can be used as an alternative tool to produce unique, multifunctional molecules with customized dimensions, functions, and targets.