Biological function
Smaug is an RNA-binding protein that regulates translation and stability of specific mRNAs during development and in adult cells, making it a valuable target for studying post-transcriptional gene regulation.
 
Binding property
Smaug binds Smaug recognition elements (SREs)—structured stem-loops with a characteristic sequence/shape signature. Binding typically represses translation and can promote deadenylation.
 
Assay notes
Uses a structured SRE stem-loop RNA as probe. Good for investigating translational control mechanisms and developmental regulation.