Conformations of an RNA Helix-Junction-Helix Construct Revealed by SAXS Refinement of MD Simulations.

ABSTRACT: RNA is involved in a broad range of biological processes that extend far beyond translation. Many of RNA's recently discovered functions rely on folding to a specific conformation or transitioning between conformations. The RNA structure contains rigid, short basepaired regions connected by more flexible linkers. Studies of model constructs such as small helix-junction-helix (HJH) motifs are useful in understanding how these elements work together to determine RNA conformation. Here, we reveal the full ensemble of solution structures assumed by a model RNA HJH. We apply small-angle x-ray scattering and an ensemble optimization method to selectively refine models generated by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The expectation of a broad distribution of helix orientations, at and above

SUBMITTER: Chen YL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6341278 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature