The conformational space of RNase P RNA in solution.

ABSTRACT: RNA conformational diversity has fundamental biological roles^1-5, but direct visualization of its full conformational space in solution has not been possible using traditional biophysical techniques. Using solution atomic force microscopy, a deep neural network and statistical analyses, we show that the ribonuclease P (RNase P) RNA adopts heterogeneous conformations consisting of a conformationally invariant core and highly flexible peripheral structural elements that sample a broad conformational space, with amplitudes as large as 20-60 Å in a multitude of directions, with very low net energy cost. Increasing Mg²⁺ drives compaction and enhances enzymatic activity, probably by narrowing the conformational space. Moreover, analyses of the correlations and anticorrelati

SUBMITTER: Lee YT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11779636 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature