Dynamic refolding of IFN-gamma mRNA enables it to function as PKR activator and translation template.

Interferon-gamma mRNA activates the RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR, which in turn strongly attenuates translation of interferon-gamma mRNA. Unlike riboswitches restricted to noncoding regions, the interferon-gamma RNA domain that activates PKR comprises the 5' UTR and 26 translated codons. Extensive interferon-gamma coding sequence is thus dedicated to activating PKR and blocking interferon-gamma synthesis.