Linking aptamer-ligand binding and expression platform folding in riboswitches: prospects for mechanistic modeling and design.

ABSTRACT: The power of riboswitches in regulation of bacterial metabolism derives from coupling of two characteristics: recognition and folding. Riboswitches contain aptamers, which function as biosensors. Upon detection of the signaling molecule, the riboswitch transduces the signal into a genetic decision. The genetic decision is coupled to refolding of the expression platform, which is distinct from, although overlapping with, the aptamer. Early biophysical studies of riboswitches focused on recognition of the ligand by the aptamer-an important consideration for drug design. A mechanistic understanding of ligand-induced riboswitch RNA folding can further enhance riboswitch ligand design, and inform efforts to tune and engineer riboswitches with novel properties. X-ray structures of aptamer/ligand

SUBMITTER: Aboul-ela F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5049679 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature