This domain superfamily is found as the core structure in Lsm (like-Sm) proteins and bacterial Lsm-related Hfq proteins, and as the middle domain of the mechanosensitive channel protein MscS. In each case, the domain adopts a core structure consisting of an open beta-barrel with an SH3-like topology.Lsm proteins have diverse functions, and are thought to be important modulators of RNA biogenesis and function. The Sm proteins form part of specific small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that are involved in the processing of pre-mRNAs to mature mRNAs, and are a major component of the eukaryotic spliceosome. These snRNPs consist of seven Sm proteins (B/B', D1, D2, D3, E, F and G), plus a small nuclear RNA (snRNA) (either U1, U2, U5 or U4/6). Other snRNPs, such as U7 snRNP, can contain different Lsm proteins. Lsm proteins are also found in archaebacteria, which do not have any splicing apparatus suggesting a more general role for Lsm proteins.The pleiotropic translational regulator Hfq (host factor Q) is a bacterial Lsm-like protein, which modulates the structure of numerous RNA molecules by binding preferentially to A/U-rich sequences in RNA. Hfq forms an Lsm-like fold, however, unlike the heptameric Sm proteins, Hfq forms a homo-hexameric ring.The middle domain of the mechanosensitive channel of small conductance protein (MscS or YggB) structurally resembles an Lsm protein. MscS is a mechanosensitive channel present in the membrane of bacteria, archaea and eukarya that responds both to stretching of the cell membrane and to membrane depolarisation. MscS folds as a homo-heptamer with a cylindrical shape, and can be divided into transmembrane and extramembrane regions: an N-terminal periplasmic region, a transmembrane region, and a C-terminal cytoplasmic region. The C-terminal cytoplasmic region can be further divided into middle and C-terminal domains, which together create a framework that connects to the cytoplasm through distinct openings. The middle domain exhibits an Lsm-like structure, consisting of five beta-strands that pack together with those of other subunits to form a barrel-like sheet extending around the entire protein.