1
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Rinaldi S, Moroni E, Rozza R, Magistrato A. Frontiers and Challenges of Computing ncRNAs Biogenesis, Function and Modulation. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:993-1018. [PMID: 38287883 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c01239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), generated from nonprotein coding DNA sequences, constitute 98-99% of the human genome. Non-coding RNAs encompass diverse functional classes, including microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nuclear RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs. With critical involvement in gene expression and regulation across various biological and physiopathological contexts, such as neuronal disorders, immune responses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, non-coding RNAs are emerging as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In this review, after providing an overview of non-coding RNAs' role in cell homeostasis, we illustrate the potential and the challenges of state-of-the-art computational methods exploited to study non-coding RNAs biogenesis, function, and modulation. This can be done by directly targeting them with small molecules or by altering their expression by targeting the cellular engines underlying their biosynthesis. Drawing from applications, also taken from our work, we showcase the significance and role of computer simulations in uncovering fundamental facets of ncRNA mechanisms and modulation. This information may set the basis to advance gene modulation tools and therapeutic strategies to address unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rinaldi
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM), c/o Area di Ricerca CNR di Firenze Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moroni
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies (SCITEC), via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rozza
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Material Foundry (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Material Foundry (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
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2
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Sha CM, Wang J, Dokholyan NV. Predicting 3D RNA structure from the nucleotide sequence using Euclidean neural networks. Biophys J 2023:S0006-3495(23)00647-1. [PMID: 37838833 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fast and accurate 3D RNA structure prediction remains a major challenge in structural biology, mostly due to the size and flexibility of RNA molecules, as well as the lack of diverse experimentally determined structures of RNA molecules. Unlike DNA structure, RNA structure is far less constrained by basepair hydrogen bonding, resulting in an explosion of potential stable states. Here, we propose a convolutional neural network that predicts all pairwise distances between residues in an RNA, using a recently described smooth parametrization of Euclidean distance matrices. We achieve high-accuracy predictions on RNAs up to 100 nt in length in fractions of a second, a factor of 107 faster than existing molecular dynamics-based methods. We also convert our coarse-grained machine learning output into an all-atom model using discrete molecular dynamics with constraints. Our proposed computational pipeline predicts all-atom RNA models solely from the nucleotide sequence. However, this method suffers from the same limitation as nucleic acid molecular dynamics: the scarcity of available RNA crystal structures for training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congzhou M Sha
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania; Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania; Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania.
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3
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Wu Y, Zhu L, Li S, Chu H, Wang X, Xu W. High content design of riboswitch biosensors: All-around rational module-by-module design. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 220:114887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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4
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Biesiada M, Hu MY, Williams LD, Purzycka KJ, Petrov AS. rRNA expansion segment 7 in eukaryotes: from Signature Fold to tentacles. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:10717-10732. [PMID: 36200812 PMCID: PMC9561286 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ribosomal core is universally conserved across the tree of life. However, eukaryotic ribosomes contain diverse rRNA expansion segments (ESs) on their surfaces. Sites of ES insertions are predicted from sites of insertion of micro-ESs in archaea. Expansion segment 7 (ES7) is one of the most diverse regions of the ribosome, emanating from a short stem loop and ranging to over 750 nucleotides in mammals. We present secondary and full-atom 3D structures of ES7 from species spanning eukaryotic diversity. Our results are based on experimental 3D structures, the accretion model of ribosomal evolution, phylogenetic relationships, multiple sequence alignments, RNA folding algorithms and 3D modeling by RNAComposer. ES7 contains a distinct motif, the 'ES7 Signature Fold', which is generally invariant in 2D topology and 3D structure in all eukaryotic ribosomes. We establish a model in which ES7 developed over evolution through a series of elementary and recursive growth events. The data are sufficient to support an atomic-level accretion path for rRNA growth. The non-monophyletic distribution of some ES7 features across the phylogeny suggests acquisition via convergent processes. And finally, illustrating the power of our approach, we constructed the 2D and 3D structure of the entire LSU rRNA of Mus musculus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Biesiada
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Michael Y Hu
- Center for the Origins of Life, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.,School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Loren Dean Williams
- Center for the Origins of Life, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.,School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Anton S Petrov
- Center for the Origins of Life, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.,School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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5
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Luwanski K, Hlushchenko V, Popenda M, Zok T, Sarzynska J, Martsich D, Szachniuk M, Antczak M. RNAspider: a webserver to analyze entanglements in RNA 3D structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:W663-W669. [PMID: 35349710 PMCID: PMC9252836 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in experimental and computational techniques enable the exploration of large and complex RNA 3D structures. These, in turn, reveal previously unstudied properties and motifs not characteristic for small molecules with simple architectures. Examples include entanglements of structural elements in RNA molecules and knot-like folds discovered, among others, in the genomes of RNA viruses. Recently, we presented the first classification of entanglements, determined by their topology and the type of entangled structural elements. Here, we introduce RNAspider - a web server to automatically identify, classify, and visualize primary and higher-order entanglements in RNA tertiary structures. The program applies to evaluate RNA 3D models obtained experimentally or by computational prediction. It supports the analysis of uncommon topologies in the pseudoknotted RNA structures. RNAspider is implemented as a publicly available tool with a user-friendly interface and can be freely accessed at https://rnaspider.cs.put.poznan.pl/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Luwanski
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Vladyslav Hlushchenko
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Daniil Martsich
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Antczak
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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6
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Carrascoza F, Antczak M, Miao Z, Westhof E, Szachniuk M. Evaluation of the stereochemical quality of predicted RNA 3D models in the RNA-Puzzles submissions. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:250-262. [PMID: 34819324 PMCID: PMC8906551 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078685.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In silico prediction is a well-established approach to derive a general shape of an RNA molecule based on its sequence or secondary structure. This paper reports an analysis of the stereochemical quality of the RNA three-dimensional models predicted using dedicated computer programs. The stereochemistry of 1052 RNA 3D structures, including 1030 models predicted by fully automated and human-guided approaches within 22 RNA-Puzzles challenges and reference structures, is analyzed. The evaluation is based on standards of RNA stereochemistry that the Protein Data Bank requires from deposited experimental structures. Deviations from standard bond lengths and angles, planarity, or chirality are quantified. A reduction in the number of such deviations should help in the improvement of RNA 3D structure modeling approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Carrascoza
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Antczak
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Zhichao Miao
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China
| | - Eric Westhof
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Computing Science and European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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7
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Zhuo B, Ou X, Li J. Structure and Mechanical Stabilities of the Three-Way Junction Motifs in Prohead RNA. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:12125-12134. [PMID: 34719230 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c04681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The core structure of phi29 prohead RNA (pRNA) is composed of three major helices organized into three-way junction pRNA (3WJ-pRNA) and has stout structural rigidity along the coaxial helices. Prohead RNAs of the other Bacillus subtilis bacteriophages such as GA1 and SF5 share similar secondary structure and function with phi29; whether these pRNAs have similar mechanical rigidity remains to be elucidated. In this study, we constructed the tertiary structures of GA1 and SF5 3WJ-pRNAs by comparative modeling. Both GA1 and SF5 3WJ-pRNAs adopt a similar structure, in which three helices are organized as the three-way junction and two of the three helices are stacked coaxially. Moreover, detailed structural features of GA1 and SF5 3WJ-pRNAs are also similar to those of phi29 3WJ-pRNA: all of the bases of the coaxial helices are paired, and all of the adenines in the junction region are paired, which eliminates the interference of A-minor tertiary interactions. Hence, the coaxial helices tightly join to each other, and the major groove between them is very narrow. Two Mg2+ ions can thus fit into this major groove and form double Mg clamps. A steered molecular dynamics simulation was used to study the mechanical properties of these 3WJ-pRNAs. Both GA1 and SF5 3WJ-pRNAs show strong resistance to applied force in the direction of their coaxial helices. Such mechanical stability can be attributed to the Mg clamps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Zhuo
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xinwen Ou
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jingyuan Li
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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8
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Manigrasso J, Marcia M, De Vivo M. Computer-aided design of RNA-targeted small molecules: A growing need in drug discovery. Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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Popenda M, Zok T, Sarzynska J, Korpeta A, Adamiak R, Antczak M, Szachniuk M. Entanglements of structure elements revealed in RNA 3D models. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:9625-9632. [PMID: 34432024 PMCID: PMC8464073 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational methods to predict RNA 3D structure have more and more practical applications in molecular biology and medicine. Therefore, it is crucial to intensify efforts to improve the accuracy and quality of predicted three-dimensional structures. A significant role in this is played by the RNA-Puzzles initiative that collects, evaluates, and shares RNAs built computationally within currently nearly 30 challenges. RNA-Puzzles datasets, subjected to multi-criteria analysis, allow revealing the strengths and weaknesses of computer prediction methods. Here, we study the issue of entangled RNA fragments in the predicted RNA 3D structure models. By entanglement, we mean an arrangement of two structural elements such that one of them passes through the other. We propose the classification of entanglements driven by their topology and components. It distinguishes two general classes, interlaces and lassos, and subclasses characterized by element types-loops, dinucleotide steps, open single-stranded fragments-and puncture multiplicity. Our computational pipeline for entanglement detection, applied for 1,017 non-redundant models from RNA-Puzzles, has shown the frequency of different entanglements and allowed identifying 138 structures with intersected assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Korpeta
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Antczak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
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10
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Binzel DW, Li X, Burns N, Khan E, Lee WJ, Chen LC, Ellipilli S, Miles W, Ho YS, Guo P. Thermostability, Tunability, and Tenacity of RNA as Rubbery Anionic Polymeric Materials in Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine-Specific Cancer Targeting with Undetectable Toxicity. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7398-7467. [PMID: 34038115 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology is the bottom-up self-assembly of nanometer-scale architectures, resembling LEGOs, composed mainly of RNA. The ideal building material should be (1) versatile and controllable in shape and stoichiometry, (2) spontaneously self-assemble, and (3) thermodynamically, chemically, and enzymatically stable with a long shelf life. RNA building blocks exhibit each of the above. RNA is a polynucleic acid, making it a polymer, and its negative-charge prevents nonspecific binding to negatively charged cell membranes. The thermostability makes it suitable for logic gates, resistive memory, sensor set-ups, and NEM devices. RNA can be designed and manipulated with a level of simplicity of DNA while displaying versatile structure and enzyme activity of proteins. RNA can fold into single-stranded loops or bulges to serve as mounting dovetails for intermolecular or domain interactions without external linking dowels. RNA nanoparticles display rubber- and amoeba-like properties and are stretchable and shrinkable through multiple repeats, leading to enhanced tumor targeting and fast renal excretion to reduce toxicities. It was predicted in 2014 that RNA would be the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. The recent approval of several RNA drugs and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines by FDA suggests that this milestone is being realized. Here, we review the unique properties of RNA nanotechnology, summarize its recent advancements, describe its distinct attributes inside or outside the body and discuss potential applications in nanotechnology, medicine, and material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Binzel
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xin Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Nicolas Burns
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Eshan Khan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Satheesh Ellipilli
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wayne Miles
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuan Soon Ho
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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11
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Synak J, Rybarczyk A, Blazewicz J. Multi-agent approach to sequence structure simulation in the RNA World hypothesis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238253. [PMID: 32857812 PMCID: PMC7455006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The origins of life on Earth have been the subject of inquiry since the early days of philosophical thought and are still intensively investigated by the researchers around the world. One of the theories explaining the life emergence, that gained the most attention recently is the RNA World hypothesis, which assumes that life on Earth was sparked by replicating RNA chains. Since wet lab analysis is time-consuming, many mathematical and computational approaches have been proposed that try to explain the origins of life. Recently proposed one, based on the work by Takeuchi and Hogeweg, addresses the problem of interplay between RNA replicases and RNA parasitic species, which is crucial for understanding the first steps of prebiotic evolution. In this paper, the aforementioned model has been extended and modified by introducing RNA sequence (structure) information and mutation rate close to real one. It allowed to observe the simple evolution mechanisms, which could have led to the more complicated systems and eventually, to the formation of the first cells. The main goal of this study was to determine the conditions that allowed the spontaneous emergence and evolution of the prebiotic replicases equipped with simple functional domains within a large population. Here we show that polymerase ribozymes could have appeared randomly and then quickly started to copy themselves in order for the system to reach equilibrium. It has been shown that evolutionary selection works even in the simplest systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslaw Synak
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- European Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rybarczyk
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- European Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan, Poland
- * E-mail: (JB); (AR)
| | - Jacek Blazewicz
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- European Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan, Poland
- * E-mail: (JB); (AR)
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12
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Gumna J, Purzycka KJ, Ahn HW, Garfinkel DJ, Pachulska-Wieczorek K. Retroviral-like determinants and functions required for dimerization of Ty1 retrotransposon RNA. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1749-1763. [PMID: 31469343 PMCID: PMC6844567 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1657370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During replication of long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons, their proteins and genome (g) RNA assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) that are not infectious but functionally related to retroviral virions. Both virions and VLPs contain gRNA in a dimeric form, but contrary to retroviruses, little is known about how gRNA dimerization and packaging occurs in LTR-retrotransposons. The LTR-retrotransposon Ty1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an informative model for studying LTR-retrotransposon and retrovirus replication. Using structural, mutational and functional analyses, we explored dimerization of Ty1 genomic RNA. We provide direct evidence that interactions of self-complementary PAL1 and PAL2 palindromic sequences localized within the 5′UTR are essential for Ty1 gRNA dimer formation. Mutations disrupting PAL1-PAL2 complementarity restricted RNA dimerization in vitro and Ty1 mobility in vivo. Although dimer formation and mobility of these mutants was inhibited, our work suggests that Ty1 RNA can dimerize via alternative contact points. In contrast to previous studies, we cannot confirm a role for PAL3, tRNAiMet as well as recently proposed initial kissing-loop interactions in dimer formation. Our data also supports the critical role of Ty1 Gag in RNA dimerization. Mature Ty1 Gag binds in the proximity of sequences involved in RNA dimerization and tRNAiMet annealing, but the 5′ pseudoknot in Ty1 RNA may constitute a preferred Gag-binding site. Taken together, these results expand our understanding of genome dimerization and packaging strategies utilized by LTR-retroelements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julita Gumna
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Hyo Won Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - David J Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pachulska-Wieczorek
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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13
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RNApolis: Computational Platform for RNA Structure Analysis. FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING AND DECISION SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/fcds-2019-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In the 1970s, computer scientists began to engage in research in the field of structural biology. The first structural databases, as well as models and methods supporting the analysis of biomolecule structures, started to be created. RNA was put at the centre of scientific interest quite late. However, more and more methods dedicated to this molecule are currently being developed. This paper presents RNApolis - a new computing platform, which offers access to seven bioinformatic tools developed to support the RNA structure study. The set of tools include a structural database and systems for predicting, modelling, annotating and evaluating the RNA structure. RNApolis supports research at different structural levels and allows the discovery, establishment, and validation of relationships between the primary, secondary and tertiary structure of RNAs. The platform is freely available at http://rnapolis.pl
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14
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Antczak M, Zok T, Osowiecki M, Popenda M, Adamiak RW, Szachniuk M. RNAfitme: a webserver for modeling nucleobase and nucleoside residue conformation in fixed-backbone RNA structures. BMC Bioinformatics 2018; 19:304. [PMID: 30134831 PMCID: PMC6106928 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-018-2317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computational RNA 3D structure prediction and modeling are rising as complementary approaches to high-resolution experimental techniques for structure determination. They often apply to substitute or complement them. Recently, researchers' interests have directed towards in silico methods to fit, remodel and refine RNA tertiary structure models. Their power lies in a problem-specific exploration of RNA conformational space and efficient optimization procedures. The aim is to improve the accuracy of models obtained either computationally or experimentally. RESULTS Here, we present RNAfitme, a versatile webserver tool for remodeling of nucleobase- and nucleoside residue conformations in the fixed-backbone RNA 3D structures. Our approach makes use of dedicated libraries that define RNA conformational space. They have been built upon torsional angle characteristics of PDB-deposited RNA structures. RNAfitme can be applied to reconstruct full-atom model of RNA from its backbone; remodel user-selected nucleobase/nucleoside residues in a given RNA structure; predict RNA 3D structure based on the sequence and the template of a homologous molecule of the same size; refine RNA 3D model by reducing steric clashes indicated during structure quality assessment. RNAfitme is a publicly available tool with an intuitive interface. It is freely accessible at http://rnafitme.cs.put.poznan.pl/ CONCLUSIONS: RNAfitme has been applied in various RNA 3D remodeling scenarios for several types of input data. Computational experiments proved its efficiency, accuracy, and usefulness in the processing of RNAs of any size. Fidelity of RNAfitme predictions has been thoroughly tested for RNA 3D structures determined experimentally and modeled in silico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Antczak
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965, Poznan, Poland.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965, Poznan, Poland.,Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center, Jana Pawla II 10, 61-139, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Osowiecki
- Department of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965, Poznan, Poland.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965, Poznan, Poland. .,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland.
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15
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Discovering Structural Motifs in miRNA Precursors from the Viridiplantae Kingdom. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061367. [PMID: 29882777 PMCID: PMC6100135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A small non-coding molecule of microRNA (19–24 nt) controls almost every biological process, including cellular and physiological, of various organisms’ lives. The amount of microRNA (miRNA) produced within an organism is highly correlated to the organism’s key processes, and determines whether the system works properly or not. A crucial factor in plant biogenesis of miRNA is the Dicer Like 1 (DCL1) enzyme. Its responsibility is to perform the cleavages in the miRNA maturation process. Despite everything we already know about the last phase of plant miRNA creation, recognition of miRNA by DCL1 in pre-miRNA structures of plants remains an enigma. Herein, we present a bioinformatic procedure we have followed to discover structure patterns that could guide DCL1 to perform a cleavage in front of or behind an miRNA:miRNA* duplex. The patterns in the closest vicinity of microRNA are searched, within pre-miRNA sequences, as well as secondary and tertiary structures. The dataset consists of structures of plant pre-miRNA from the Viridiplantae kingdom. The results confirm our previous observations based on Arabidopsis thaliana precursor analysis. Hereby, our hypothesis was tested on pre-miRNAs, collected from the miRBase database to show secondary structure patterns of small symmetric internal loops 1-1 and 2-2 at a 1–10 nt distance from the miRNA:miRNA* duplex.
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16
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Liu Z, Wang J, Cheng H, Ke X, Sun L, Zhang QC, Wang HW. Cryo-EM Structure of Human Dicer and Its Complexes with a Pre-miRNA Substrate. Cell 2018; 173:1191-1203.e12. [PMID: 29706542 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.03.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human Dicer (hDicer) is a multi-domain protein belonging to the RNase III family. It plays pivotal roles in small RNA biogenesis during the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway by processing a diverse range of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors to generate ∼22 nt microRNA (miRNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) products for sequence-directed gene silencing. In this work, we solved the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of hDicer in complex with its cofactor protein TRBP and revealed the precise spatial arrangement of hDicer's multiple domains. We further solved structures of the hDicer-TRBP complex bound with pre-let-7 RNA in two distinct conformations. In combination with biochemical analysis, these structures reveal a property of the hDicer-TRBP complex to promote the stability of pre-miRNA's stem duplex in a pre-dicing state. These results provide insights into the mechanism of RNA processing by hDicer and illustrate the regulatory role of hDicer's N-terminal helicase domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Jia Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Hang Cheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084; Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-NIBS, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Xin Ke
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Lei Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Qiangfeng Cliff Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 100084.
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17
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Antczak M, Popenda M, Zok T, Zurkowski M, Adamiak RW, Szachniuk M. New algorithms to represent complex pseudoknotted RNA structures in dot-bracket notation. Bioinformatics 2018; 34:1304-1312. [PMID: 29236971 PMCID: PMC5905660 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btx783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Motivation Understanding the formation, architecture and roles of pseudoknots in RNA structures are one of the most difficult challenges in RNA computational biology and structural bioinformatics. Methods predicting pseudoknots typically perform this with poor accuracy, often despite experimental data incorporation. Existing bioinformatic approaches differ in terms of pseudoknots' recognition and revealing their nature. A few ways of pseudoknot classification exist, most common ones refer to a genus or order. Following the latter one, we propose new algorithms that identify pseudoknots in RNA structure provided in BPSEQ format, determine their order and encode in dot-bracket-letter notation. The proposed encoding aims to illustrate the hierarchy of RNA folding. Results New algorithms are based on dynamic programming and hybrid (combining exhaustive search and random walk) approaches. They evolved from elementary algorithm implemented within the workflow of RNA FRABASE 1.0, our database of RNA structure fragments. They use different scoring functions to rank dissimilar dot-bracket representations of RNA structure. Computational experiments show an advantage of new methods over the others, especially for large RNA structures. Availability and implementation Presented algorithms have been implemented as new functionality of RNApdbee webserver and are ready to use at http://rnapdbee.cs.put.poznan.pl. Contact mszachniuk@cs.put.poznan.pl. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Antczak
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Zurkowski
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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18
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New tRNA contacts facilitate ligand binding in a Mycobacterium smegmatis T box riboswitch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:3894-3899. [PMID: 29581302 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721254115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T box riboswitches are RNA regulatory elements widely used by organisms in the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria to regulate expression of amino acid-related genes. Expression of T box family genes is down-regulated by transcription attenuation or inhibition of translation initiation in response to increased charging of the cognate tRNA. Three direct contacts with tRNA have been described; however, one of these contacts is absent in a subclass of T box RNAs and the roles of several structural domains conserved in most T box RNAs are unknown. In this study, structural elements of a Mycobacterium smegmatis ileS T box riboswitch variant with an Ultrashort (US) Stem I were sequentially deleted, which resulted in a progressive decrease in binding affinity for the tRNAIle ligand. Selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) revealed structural changes in conserved riboswitch domains upon interaction with the tRNA ligand. Cross-linking and mutational analyses identified two interaction sites, one between the S-turn element in Stem II and the T arm of tRNAIle and the other between the Stem IIA/B pseudoknot and the D loop of tRNAIle These newly identified RNA contacts add information about tRNA recognition by the T box riboswitch and demonstrate a role for the S-turn and pseudoknot elements, which resemble structural elements that are common in many cellular RNAs.
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19
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Antunes D, Jorge NAN, Caffarena ER, Passetti F. Using RNA Sequence and Structure for the Prediction of Riboswitch Aptamer: A Comprehensive Review of Available Software and Tools. Front Genet 2018; 8:231. [PMID: 29403526 PMCID: PMC5780412 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA molecules are essential players in many fundamental biological processes. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes have distinct RNA classes with specific structural features and functional roles. Computational prediction of protein structures is a research field in which high confidence three-dimensional protein models can be proposed based on the sequence alignment between target and templates. However, to date, only a few approaches have been developed for the computational prediction of RNA structures. Similar to proteins, RNA structures may be altered due to the interaction with various ligands, including proteins, other RNAs, and metabolites. A riboswitch is a molecular mechanism, found in the three kingdoms of life, in which the RNA structure is modified by the binding of a metabolite. It can regulate multiple gene expression mechanisms, such as transcription, translation initiation, and mRNA splicing and processing. Due to their nature, these entities also act on the regulation of gene expression and detection of small metabolites and have the potential to helping in the discovery of new classes of antimicrobial agents. In this review, we describe software and web servers currently available for riboswitch aptamer identification and secondary and tertiary structure prediction, including applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Antunes
- Scientific Computing Program (PROCC), Computational Biophysics and Molecular Modeling Group, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natasha A N Jorge
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Ernesto R Caffarena
- Scientific Computing Program (PROCC), Computational Biophysics and Molecular Modeling Group, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio Passetti
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Brazil
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20
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Xu X, Chen SJ. Hierarchical Assembly of RNA Three-Dimensional Structures Based on Loop Templates. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:5327-5335. [PMID: 29258305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b10102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The current RNA structure prediction methods cannot keep up the pace of the rapidly increasing number of sequences and the emerging new functions of RNAs. Template-based RNA three-dimensional structure prediction methods are restricted by the limited number of known RNA structures, and traditional motif-based search for the templates does not always lead to successful results. Here we report a new template search and assembly algorithm, the hierarchical loop template-assembly method (VfoldLA). The method searches for templates for single strand loop/junctions instead of the whole motifs, which often renders no available templates, or short fragments (several nucleotides), which requires a long computational time to assemble and refine. The VfoldLA method has the advantage of accounting for local and nonlocal interloop interactions. Benchmark tests indicate that this new method can provide low-resolution predictions for RNA conformations at different levels of structural complexities. Furthermore, the VfoldLA-predicted conformations may also serve as reliable putative models for further structure prediction and refinements. VfoldLA is accessible at http://rna.physics.missouri.edu/vfoldLA .
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering , Jiangsu University of Technology , Changzhou , Jiangsu 213001 , China.,Department of Physics, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute , University of Missouri , Columbia , Missouri 65211 , United States
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute , University of Missouri , Columbia , Missouri 65211 , United States
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21
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Gong S, Wang Y, Wang Z, Zhang W. Computational Methods for Modeling Aptamers and Designing Riboswitches. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2442. [PMID: 29149090 PMCID: PMC5713409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches, which are located within certain noncoding RNA region perform functions as genetic "switches", regulating when and where genes are expressed in response to certain ligands. Understanding the numerous functions of riboswitches requires computation models to predict structures and structural changes of the aptamer domains. Although aptamers often form a complex structure, computational approaches, such as RNAComposer and Rosetta, have already been applied to model the tertiary (three-dimensional (3D)) structure for several aptamers. As structural changes in aptamers must be achieved within the certain time window for effective regulation, kinetics is another key point for understanding aptamer function in riboswitch-mediated gene regulation. The coarse-grained self-organized polymer (SOP) model using Langevin dynamics simulation has been successfully developed to investigate folding kinetics of aptamers, while their co-transcriptional folding kinetics can be modeled by the helix-based computational method and BarMap approach. Based on the known aptamers, the web server Riboswitch Calculator and other theoretical methods provide a new tool to design synthetic riboswitches. This review will represent an overview of these computational methods for modeling structure and kinetics of riboswitch aptamers and for designing riboswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Gong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Economic Forest Germplasm Improvement and Resources Comprehensive Utilization, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for the Characteristic Resources Exploitation of Dabie Mountains, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang 438000, China.
| | - Yanli Wang
- Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Wenbing Zhang
- Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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22
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Martinez-Zapien D, Legrand P, McEwen AG, Proux F, Cragnolini T, Pasquali S, Dock-Bregeon AC. The crystal structure of the 5΄ functional domain of the transcription riboregulator 7SK. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:3568-3579. [PMID: 28082395 PMCID: PMC5389472 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the 7SK RNA forms the scaffold of a complex, which regulates transcription pausing of RNA-polymerase II. By binding to the HEXIM protein, the complex comprising proteins LARP7 and MePCE captures the positive transcription elongation factor P-TEFb and prevents phosphorylation of pausing factors. The HEXIM-binding site embedded in the 5΄-hairpin of 7SK (HP1) encompasses a short signature sequence, a GAUC repeat framed by single-stranded uridines. The present crystal structure of HP1 shows a remarkably straight helical stack involving several unexpected triples formed at a central region. Surprisingly, two uridines of the signature sequence make triple interactions in the major groove of the (GAUC)2. The third uridine is turned outwards or inward, wedging between the other uridines, thus filling the major groove. A molecular dynamics simulation indicates that these two conformations of the signature sequence represent stable alternatives. Analyses of the interaction with the HEXIM protein confirm the importance of the triple interactions at the signature sequence. Altogether, the present structural analysis of 7SK HP1 highlights an original mechanism of swapping bases, which could represent a possible ‘7SK signature’ and provides new insight into the functional importance of the plasticity of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Martinez-Zapien
- Biotechnologie et signalisation cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, F-67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Pierre Legrand
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Alastair G McEwen
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Florence Proux
- Department of functional genomics, CNRS UMR 8197, Institut de Biologie de l΄Ecole Normale Supérieure F-75005 Paris, France.,Department of functional genomics, INSERM-U1024, Institut de Biologie de l΄Ecole Normale Supérieure F-75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Samuela Pasquali
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, IBPC, CNRS UPR 9080, Université Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Diderot, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anne-Catherine Dock-Bregeon
- Department of functional genomics, CNRS UMR 8197, Institut de Biologie de l΄Ecole Normale Supérieure F-75005 Paris, France.,Department of functional genomics, INSERM-U1024, Institut de Biologie de l΄Ecole Normale Supérieure F-75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités UPMC, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff cedex, France.,CNRS, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff cedex, France
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23
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Miao Z, Adamiak RW, Antczak M, Batey RT, Becka AJ, Biesiada M, Boniecki MJ, Bujnicki JM, Chen SJ, Cheng CY, Chou FC, Ferré-D'Amaré AR, Das R, Dawson WK, Ding F, Dokholyan NV, Dunin-Horkawicz S, Geniesse C, Kappel K, Kladwang W, Krokhotin A, Łach GE, Major F, Mann TH, Magnus M, Pachulska-Wieczorek K, Patel DJ, Piccirilli JA, Popenda M, Purzycka KJ, Ren A, Rice GM, Santalucia J, Sarzynska J, Szachniuk M, Tandon A, Trausch JJ, Tian S, Wang J, Weeks KM, Williams B, Xiao Y, Xu X, Zhang D, Zok T, Westhof E. RNA-Puzzles Round III: 3D RNA structure prediction of five riboswitches and one ribozyme. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:655-672. [PMID: 28138060 PMCID: PMC5393176 DOI: 10.1261/rna.060368.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA-Puzzles is a collective experiment in blind 3D RNA structure prediction. We report here a third round of RNA-Puzzles. Five puzzles, 4, 8, 12, 13, 14, all structures of riboswitch aptamers and puzzle 7, a ribozyme structure, are included in this round of the experiment. The riboswitch structures include biological binding sites for small molecules (S-adenosyl methionine, cyclic diadenosine monophosphate, 5-amino 4-imidazole carboxamide riboside 5'-triphosphate, glutamine) and proteins (YbxF), and one set describes large conformational changes between ligand-free and ligand-bound states. The Varkud satellite ribozyme is the most recently solved structure of a known large ribozyme. All puzzles have established biological functions and require structural understanding to appreciate their molecular mechanisms. Through the use of fast-track experimental data, including multidimensional chemical mapping, and accurate prediction of RNA secondary structure, a large portion of the contacts in 3D have been predicted correctly leading to similar topologies for the top ranking predictions. Template-based and homology-derived predictions could predict structures to particularly high accuracies. However, achieving biological insights from de novo prediction of RNA 3D structures still depends on the size and complexity of the RNA. Blind computational predictions of RNA structures already appear to provide useful structural information in many cases. Similar to the previous RNA-Puzzles Round II experiment, the prediction of non-Watson-Crick interactions and the observed high atomic clash scores reveal a notable need for an algorithm of improvement. All prediction models and assessment results are available at http://ahsoka.u-strasbg.fr/rnapuzzles/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Miao
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Antczak
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, USA
| | - Alexander J Becka
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Marcin Biesiada
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Michał J Boniecki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Clarence Yu Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Fang-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | - Rhiju Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Wayne K Dawson
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Stanisław Dunin-Horkawicz
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Caleb Geniesse
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Kalli Kappel
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Wipapat Kladwang
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Andrey Krokhotin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Grzegorz E Łach
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - François Major
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Thomas H Mann
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Marcin Magnus
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Joseph A Piccirilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Aiming Ren
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Greggory M Rice
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, USA
| | - John Santalucia
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA
- DNA Software, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, USA
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Arpit Tandon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Trausch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, USA
| | - Siqi Tian
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Biomolecular Physics and Modeling Group, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, USA
| | - Benfeard Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Yi Xiao
- Biomolecular Physics and Modeling Group, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Eric Westhof
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
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24
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Abstract
Biological functions of RNA molecules are dependent upon sustained specific three-dimensional (3D) structures of RNA, with or without the help of proteins. Understanding of RNA structure is frequently based on 2D structures, which describe only the Watson-Crick (WC) base pairs. Here, we hierarchically review the structural elements of RNA and how they contribute to RNA 3D structure. We focus our analysis on the non-WC base pairs and on RNA modules. Several computer programs have now been designed to predict RNA modules. We describe the RNA-Puzzles initiative, which is a community-wide, blind assessment of RNA 3D structure prediction programs to determine the capabilities and bottlenecks of current predictions. The assessment metrics used in RNA-Puzzles are briefly described. The detection of RNA 3D modules from sequence data and their automatic implementation belong to the current challenges in RNA 3D structure prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Miao
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France; ,
| | - Eric Westhof
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France; ,
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25
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Sun LZ, Chen SJ. A New Method to Predict Ion Effects in RNA Folding. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1632:1-17. [PMID: 28730429 PMCID: PMC5749638 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7138-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The strong interaction between metal ions in solution and highly charged RNA molecules is critical for RNA structure formation and stabilization. Metal ions binding to RNA can induce RNA structural changes that are important for RNA cellular functions. Therefore, quantitative modeling of the ion effects is essential for RNA structure prediction and RNA-based molecular design. Recently, inspired by the increasing experimental evidence that supports the importance of ion correlation and fluctuation in ion-RNA interactions, we developed a new computational model, Monte Carlo Tightly Bound Ion (MCTBI) model. The validity of the model is shown by the improved accuracy in the predictions for ion binding properties and ion-dependent free energies for RNA structures. In this chapter, using homodimeric tetraloop-receptor docking as an illustrative example, we showcase the MCTBI method for the computational prediction of the ion effects in RNA folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhen Sun
- Department of Physics, Department of Biochemistry, and MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics, Department of Biochemistry, and MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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26
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RNAComposer and RNA 3D structure prediction for nanotechnology. Methods 2016; 103:120-7. [PMID: 27016145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs adopt specific, stable tertiary architectures to perform their activities. Knowledge of RNA tertiary structure is fundamental to understand RNA functions beginning with transcription and ending with turnover. Contrary to advanced RNA secondary structure prediction algorithms, which allow good accuracy when experimental data are integrated into the prediction, tertiary structure prediction of large RNAs still remains a significant challenge. However, the field of RNA tertiary structure prediction is rapidly developing and new computational methods based on different strategies are emerging. RNAComposer is a user-friendly and freely available server for 3D structure prediction of RNA up to 500 nucleotide residues. RNAComposer employs fully automated fragment assembly based on RNA secondary structure specified by the user. Importantly, this method allows incorporation of distance restraints derived from the experimental data to strengthen the 3D predictions. The potential and limitations of RNAComposer are discussed and an application to RNA design for nanotechnology is presented.
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27
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Lukasiak P, Antczak M, Ratajczak T, Szachniuk M, Popenda M, Adamiak RW, Blazewicz J. RNAssess--a web server for quality assessment of RNA 3D structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:W502-6. [PMID: 26068469 PMCID: PMC4489242 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, various methodologies can be applied to model RNA 3D structure. Thus, the plausible quality assessment of 3D models has a fundamental impact on the progress of structural bioinformatics. Here, we present RNAssess server, a novel tool dedicated to visual evaluation of RNA 3D models in the context of the known reference structure for a wide range of accuracy levels (from atomic to the whole molecule perspective). The proposed server is based on the concept of local neighborhood, defined as a set of atoms observed within a sphere localized around a central atom of a particular residue. A distinctive feature of our server is the ability to perform simultaneous visual analysis of the model-reference structure coherence. RNAssess supports the quality assessment through delivering both static and interactive visualizations that allows an easy identification of native-like models and/or chosen structural regions of the analyzed molecule. A combination of results provided by RNAssess allows us to rank analyzed models. RNAssess offers new route to a fast and efficient 3D model evaluation suitable for the RNA-Puzzles challenge. The proposed automated tool is implemented as a free and open to all users web server with an user-friendly interface and can be accessed at: http://rnassess.cs.put.poznan.pl/
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Lukasiak
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Antczak
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Ratajczak
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Blazewicz
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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