biostudies-literatureFang PYNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationGeorgia Research AllianceNational Science Foundation21399-21406https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9080931biostudies-literatureUnknown8(38)Virus Like Particles (VLPs) are devices for RNA packaging, protection and delivery, with utility in fundamental research, drug discovery, and disease treatment. Using <i>E. coli</i> for combined expression and packaging of non-viral RNAs into Qβ VLPs, we investigated the extent of chemical protection conferred by packaging of RNA in VLPs. We also probed relationships between packaging efficiency and RNA size, sequence and intrinsic compaction. We observe that VLP packaging protects RNA against assault by small diffusible damaging agents such as hydroxyl radicals and divalent cations. By contrast, the extent of unmediated cleavage, in the absence of reactive species, is the same for RNA that is free or packaged within VLPs, and is very slow. <i>In vivo</i> packaging of RNA within VLPs appeaRSC advancesRNA: packaged and protected by VLPs.PMC9080931GRA.VL15.B11NNX16AJ28GNNX16AJ29GDGE-1650044Fang PYWilliams LDGomez Ramos LMHsiao CBowman JCfalseRNA: packaged and protected by VLPs.Virus Like Particles (VLPs) are devices for RNA packaging, protection and delivery, with utility in fundamental research, drug discovery, and disease treatment. Using <i>E. coli</i> for combined expression and packaging of non-viral RNAs into Qβ VLPs, we investigated the extent of chemical protection conferred by packaging of RNA in VLPs. We also probed relationships between packaging efficiency and RNA size, sequence and intrinsic compaction. We observe that VLP packaging protects RNA against assault by small diffusible damaging agents such as hydroxyl radicals and divalent cations. By contrast, the extent of unmediated cleavage, in the absence of reactive species, is the same for RNA that is free or packaged within VLPs, and is very slow. <i>In vivo</i> packaging of RNA within VLPs appea2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Jun2026-05-31T07:01:28.579Z2024-11-14T20:17:16.478ZS-EPMC90809313553994710.1039/c8ra02084a