Characterizing the Conformational Free-Energy Landscape of RNA Stem-Loops Using Single-Molecule Field-Effect Transistors.

ABSTRACT: We have developed and used single-molecule field-effect transistors (smFETs) to characterize the conformational free-energy landscape of RNA stem-loops. Stem-loops are one of the most common RNA structural motifs and serve as building blocks for the formation of complex RNA structures. Given their prevalence and integral role in RNA folding, the kinetics of stem-loop (un)folding has been extensively characterized using both experimental and computational approaches. Interestingly, these studies have reported vastly disparate timescales of (un)folding, which has been interpreted as evidence that (un)folding of even simple stem-loops occurs on a highly rugged conformational energy landscape. Because smFETs do not rely on fluorophore reporters of conformation or mechanical (un)folding forces,

SUBMITTER: Jang SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10025942 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature