Multiple conformations of SAM-II riboswitch detected with SAXS and NMR spectroscopy.

ABSTRACT: Riboswitches are a newly discovered large family of structured functional RNA elements that specifically bind small molecule targets out of a myriad of cellular metabolites to modulate gene expression. Structural studies of ligand-bound riboswitches by X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have provided insights into detailed RNA-ligand recognition and interactions. However, the structures of ligand-free riboswitches remain poorly characterized. In this study, we have used a variety of biochemical, biophysical and computational techniques including small-angle X-ray scattering and NMR spectroscopy to characterize the ligand-free and ligand-bound forms of SAM-II riboswitch. Our data demonstrate that the RNA adopts multiple conformations along its folding pa

SUBMITTER: Chen B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3326309 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature