Mapping the Conformational Landscape of the Neutral Network of RNA Sequences That Connect Two Functional Distinctly Different Ribozymes.

ABSTRACT: During evolution of an RNA world, the development of enzymatic function was essential. Such enzymatic function was linked to RNA sequences capable of adopting specific RNA folds that possess catalytic pockets to promote catalysis. Within this primordial RNA world, initially evolved self-replicating ribozymes presumably mutated to ribozymes with new functions. Schultes and Bartel (Science 2000, 289, 448-452) investigated such conversion from one ribozyme to a new ribozyme with distinctly different catalytic functions. Within a neutral network that linked these two prototype ribozymes, a single RNA chain could be identified that exhibited both enzymatic functions. As commented by Schultes and Bartel, this system possessing one sequence with two enzymatic functions serves as a paradigm for an

SUBMITTER: Knezic B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9305247 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature