trnAUGC

trnAUGC is the designation of a transfer RNA gene that appears in annotated genome sequences. The name follows the standard "trn" prefix for tRNA genes, with "AUGC" used as a locus-specific identifier in some databases. Because tRNA gene nomenclature is not fully standardized across databases, the exact meaning of the suffix—whether it denotes the anticodon, amino acid identity, or a genomic copy—may differ between sources.

Genes in this class are typically short RNA genes, about 70 to 90 nucleotides in length, and they fold into the canonical cloverleaf secondary structure. They are usually transcribed by RNA polymerase III in eukaryotes and archaea, or by a specialized polymerase in bacteria, followed by processing to produce the mature tRNA. A 3' CCA tail is commonly added if it is not genomically encoded.

trnAUGC-like genes are usually dispersed throughout the genome and can occur singly or as part of tRNA gene clusters. Some tRNA genes contain introns, which are removed during maturation. The copy number and genomic context can inform on recent duplication events and the evolutionary history of the locus.

Functionally, the mature tRNA participates in translation by delivering its corresponding amino acid to the ribosome in response to codons recognized by its anticodon loop and by identity elements that ensure proper aminoacylation by the appropriate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase.

Annotation and study typically rely on dedicated tRNA gene prediction tools such as tRNAscan-SE or ARAGORN, and entries are cataloged in databases such as GenBank and GtRNAdb. Experimental evidence for expression may come from RNA sequencing or RT-PCR, and comparative analyses across species help clarify evolutionary conservation.