Visualizing Disordered Single-Stranded RNA: Connecting Sequence, Structure, and Electrostatics.

ABSTRACT: Disordered homopolymeric regions of single-stranded RNA, such as U or A tracts, are found within functional RNAs where they play distinct roles in defining molecular structure and facilitating recognition by partners. Despite this prominence, details of conformational and biophysical properties of these regions have not yet been resolved. We apply a number of experimental techniques to investigate the conformations of these biologically important motifs and provide quantitative measurements of their ion atmospheres. Single strands of RNA display pronounced sequence-dependent conformations that relate to the unique ion atmospheres each attracts. Chains of rU bases are relatively unstructured under all conditions, while chains of rA bases display distinct ordering through stacking or cluster

SUBMITTER: Plumridge A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7238861 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature