Analysis of adenovirus VA RNAI structure and stability using compensatory base pair modifications.

ABSTRACT: Adenovirus VA RNAs are short non-coding transcripts that assist in maintaining viral protein expression in infected cells. Six sets of mismatch and compensatory base pair mutants of VA RNA(I) were examined by gel mobility and RNA UV melting to assess the contribution of each structural domain to its overall structure and stability. Each domain of VA RNA(I) was first assigned to one of two apparent unfolding transitions in the wild-type melting profile. The Terminal Stem and Central Domain unfold in a single cooperative apparent transition with an apparent T(m) of approximately 60 degrees C. In contrast, the Apical Stem unfolds independently and with much higher apparent T(m) of approximately 83 degrees C. Remarkably, this domain appears to behave as an almost entirely autonomous unit withi

SUBMITTER: Coventry VK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2275154 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature