RNA structures and dynamics with A resolution revealed by x-ray free electron lasers.

ABSTRACT: RNA macromolecules, like proteins, fold to assume shapes that are intimately connected to their broadly recognized biological functions; however, because of their high charge and dynamic nature, RNA structures are far more challenging to determine. We introduce an approach that exploits the high brilliance of x-ray free electron laser sources to reveal the formation and ready identification of Å scale features in structured and unstructured RNAs. New structural signatures of RNA secondary and tertiary structures are identified through wide angle solution scattering experiments. With millisecond time resolution, we observe an RNA fold from a dynamically varying single strand through a base paired intermediate to assume a triple helix conformation. While the backbone orchestrates the folding

SUBMITTER: Zielinski KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10245879 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature