How Does Mg²⁺ Modulate the RNA Folding Mechanism: A Case Study of the G:C W:W Trans Basepair.

ABSTRACT: Reverse Watson-Crick G:C basepairs (G:C W:W Trans) occur frequently in different functional RNAs. This is one of the few basepairs whose gas-phase-optimized isolated geometry is inconsistent with the corresponding experimental geometry. Several earlier studies indicate that through post-transcriptional modification, direct protonation, or coordination with Mg²⁺, accumulation of positive charge near N7 of guanine can stabilize the experimental geometry. Interestingly, recent studies reveal significant variation in the position of putatively bound Mg²⁺. This, in conjunction with recently raised doubts regarding some of the Mg²⁺ assignments near the imino nitrogen of guanine, is suggestive of the existence of multiple Mg²⁺ binding modes for this bas

SUBMITTER: Halder A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5529177 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature