Work

Discrete Structure of an RNA Folding Intermediate Revealed by Cryo-electron Microscopy

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: RNA folding occurs via a series of transitions between metastable intermediate states. It is unknown whether folding intermediates are discrete structures folding along defined pathways or heterogeneous ensembles folding along broad landscapes. We use cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle image reconstruction to determine the structure of the major folding intermediate of the specificity domain of a ribonuclease P ribozyme. Our results support the existence of a discrete conformation for this folding intermediate.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/ja107492b

Authors: Nathan J. Baird, Steven J. Ludtke, Htet Khant, Wah Chiu, Tao Pan, Tobin R. Sosnick

Institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Center for Research Resources

Awards: G1688340195, G4396008559, G8313947456, G8605363366