Abstract
RNA-binding proteins are shown in two independent studies to mediate distinct and beneficial effects to cells by binding to the extensive double-stranded RNA structures of inverted-repeat Alu elements. One study reports stress-induced export of ADAR1p110 to the cytoplasm where it binds inverted-repeat Alu elements so as to protect many mRNAs encoding anti-apoptotic proteins from degradation; the other demonstrates binding of the nuclear helicase DHX9 to inverted-repeat Alu elements embedded within RNAs to minimize defects in RNA processing.