RNA and its ionic cloud: solution scattering experiments and atomically detailed simulations.

ABSTRACT: RNA molecules play critical roles in many cellular processes. Traditionally viewed as genetic messengers, RNA molecules were recently discovered to have diverse functions related to gene regulation and expression. RNA also has great potential as a therapeutic and a tool for further investigation of gene regulation. Metal ions are an integral part of RNA structure and should be considered in any experimental or theoretical study of RNA. Here, we report a multidisciplinary approach that combines anomalous small-angle x-ray scattering and molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit solvent and ions around RNA. From experiment and simulation results, we find excellent agreement in the number and distribution of excess monovalent and divalent ions around a short RNA duplex. Although simil

SUBMITTER: Kirmizialtin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3283807 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature