1
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Climent-Catala A, Ouldridge TE, Stan GBV, Bae W. Building an RNA-Based Toggle Switch Using Inhibitory RNA Aptamers. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:562-569. [PMID: 35133150 PMCID: PMC9007568 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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Synthetic
RNA systems offer unique advantages such as faster response,
increased specificity, and programmability compared to conventional
protein-based networks. Here, we demonstrate an in vitro RNA-based toggle switch using RNA aptamers capable of inhibiting
the transcriptional activity of T7 or SP6 RNA polymerases. The activities
of both polymerases are monitored simultaneously by using Broccoli
and malachite green light-up aptamer systems. In our toggle switch,
a T7 promoter drives the expression of SP6 inhibitory aptamers, and
an SP6 promoter expresses T7 inhibitory aptamers. We show that the
two distinct states originating from the mutual inhibition of aptamers
can be toggled by adding DNA sequences to sequester the RNA inhibitory
aptamers. Finally, we assessed our RNA-based toggle switch in degrading
conditions by introducing controlled degradation of RNAs using a mix
of RNases. Our results demonstrate that the RNA-based toggle switch
could be used as a control element for nucleic acid networks in synthetic
biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Climent-Catala
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Thomas E. Ouldridge
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Guy-Bart V. Stan
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Wooli Bae
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
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2
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Kammer M, Kussrow AK, Olmsted IR, Jackson GW, Bornhop DJ. Free Solution Assay Signal Modulation in Variable-Stem-Length Hairpin Aptamers. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:11308-11313. [PMID: 32478218 PMCID: PMC7254501 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Interferometric measurements of free solution assays (FSAs) quantify changes in molecular conformation and hydration upon binding. Here, we demonstrate that aptamer probes designed to undergo varying levels of conformational change upon binding produce corresponding variations in FSA signals. A series of hairpin aptamers were synthesized for the small molecule (tenofovir) with identical loop regions that contain the binding pocket, with between 2 and 10 self-associating base pairings in the stem region. Aptamers selected for tenofovir showed a decrease in the FSA signal and binding affinity (increase in K D) with increasing stem length. Thermodynamic calculations of the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) reported a decrease in ΔG with respect to a corresponding increase in the aptamer stem length. Collectively, these observations provide an expanded understanding of FSA and demonstrate the potential for the rational design of label-free aptamer beacons using FSA as readout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
N. Kammer
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Amanda K. Kussrow
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Ian R. Olmsted
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - George W. Jackson
- Base
Pair Biotechnologies, Inc., Pearland, Texas 77584, United States
| | - Darryl J. Bornhop
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Vanderbilt
University Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6304, United States
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3
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Rapid quantification of two chemical nerve agent metabolites in serum. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 131:119-127. [PMID: 30826646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) continue to represent a significant chemical threat to humans due to exposures from their use as weapons, their potential storage hazards, and from their continued use agriculturally. Existing methods for detection include ELISA and mass spectrometry. The new approach presented here provides an innovative first step toward a portable OP quantification method that surmounts conventional limitations involving sensitivity, selectivity, complexity, and portability. DNA affinity probes, or aptamers, represent an emerging technology that, when combined with a mix-and-read, free-solution assay (FSA) and a compensated interferometer (CI) can provide a novel alternative to existing OP nerve agent (OPNA) quantification methods. Here it is shown that FSA can be used to rapidly screen prospective aptamers in the biological matrix of interest, allowing the identification of a 'best-in-class' probe. It is also shown that combining aptamers with FSA-CI enables quantification of the OPNA metabolites, Sarin (NATO designation "G-series, B", or GB) and Venomous Agent X (VX) acids, rapidly with high selectivity at detection limits of sub-10 pg/mL in 25% serum (by volume in PBS). These results suggest there is potential to directly impact diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of emergency response testing methods by both simplifying sample preparation procedures and making a benchtop reader available for OPNA metabolite quantification.
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4
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Kammer MN, Olmsted IR, Kussrow AK, Morris MJ, Jackson GW, Bornhop DJ. Characterizing aptamer small molecule interactions with backscattering interferometry. Analyst 2015; 139:5879-84. [PMID: 25229067 DOI: 10.1039/c4an01227e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are segments of single-strand DNA or RNA used in a wide array of applications, including sensors, therapeutics, and cellular process regulators. Aptamers can bind many target species, including proteins, peptides, and small molecules (SM) with high affinity and specificity. They are advantageous because they can be identified in vitro by SELEX, produced rapidly and relatively economically using oligonucleotide synthesis. The use of aptamers as SM probes has experienced a recent rebirth, and because of their unique properties they represent an attractive alternative to antibodies. Current assay methodology for characterizing small molecule-aptamer binding is limited by either mass sensitivity, as in biolayer interferometry (BLI) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), or the need for using a fluorophore, as in thermophoresis. Here we report that backscattering interferometry (BSI), a label-free and free-solution sensing technique, can be used to effectively characterize SM-aptamer interactions, providing Kd values on microliter sample quantities and at low nanomolar sensitivity. To demonstrate this capability we measured the aptamer affinity for three previously reported small molecules; bisphenol A, tenofovir, and epirubicin showing BSI provided values consistent with those published previously. We then quantified the Kd values for aptamers to ampicillin, tetracycline and norepinephrine. All measurements produced R(2) values >0.95 and an excellent signal to noise ratio at target concentrations that enable true Kd values to be obtained. No immobilization or labeling chemistry was needed, expediting the assay which is also insensitive to the large relative mass difference between the interacting molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Kammer
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
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5
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Sun EI, Rodionov DA. Computational analysis of riboswitch-based regulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:900-907. [PMID: 24583554 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Advances in computational analysis of riboswitches in the last decade have contributed greatly to our understanding of riboswitch regulatory roles and mechanisms. Riboswitches were originally discovered as part of the sequence analysis of the 5'-untranslated region of mRNAs in the hope of finding novel gene regulatory sites, and the existence of structural RNAs appeared to be a spurious phenomenon. As more riboswitches were discovered, they illustrated the diversity and adaptability of these RNA regulatory sequences. The fact that a chemically monotonous molecule like RNA can discern a wide range of substrates and exert a variety of regulatory mechanisms was subsequently demonstrated in diverse genomes and has hastened the development of sophisticated algorithms for their analysis and prediction. In this review, we focus on some of the computational tools for riboswitch detection and secondary structure prediction. The study of this simple yet efficient form of gene regulation promises to provide a more complete picture of a world that RNA once dominated and allows rational design of artificial riboswitches. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Riboswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric I Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dmitry A Rodionov
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; A.A. Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 127994, Russia.
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6
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Oligomeric nucleic acids as antivirals. Molecules 2011; 16:1271-96. [PMID: 21278679 PMCID: PMC6259927 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16021271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the natural functions and chemical characteristics of nucleic acids, a variety of novel synthetic drugs and tools to explore biological systems have become available in recent years. To date, a great number of antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference-based tools, CpG-containing oligonucleotides, catalytic oligonucleotides, decoys and aptamers has been produced synthetically and applied successfully for understanding and manipulating biological processes and in clinical trials to treat a variety of diseases. Their versatility and potency make them equally suited candidates for fighting viral infections. Here, we describe the different types of nucleic acid-based antivirals, their mechanism of action, their advantages and limitations, and their future prospects.
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7
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Kim N, Izzo JA, Elmetwaly S, Gan HH, Schlick T. Computational generation and screening of RNA motifs in large nucleotide sequence pools. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:e139. [PMID: 20448026 PMCID: PMC2910066 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although identification of active motifs in large random sequence pools is central to RNA in vitro selection, no systematic computational equivalent of this process has yet been developed. We develop a computational approach that combines target pool generation, motif scanning and motif screening using secondary structure analysis for applications to 10(12)-10(14)-sequence pools; large pool sizes are made possible using program redesign and supercomputing resources. We use the new protocol to search for aptamer and ribozyme motifs in pools up to experimental pool size (10(14) sequences). We show that motif scanning, structure matching and flanking sequence analysis, respectively, reduce the initial sequence pool by 6-8, 1-2 and 1 orders of magnitude, consistent with the rare occurrence of active motifs in random pools. The final yields match the theoretical yields from probability theory for simple motifs and overestimate experimental yields, which constitute lower bounds, for aptamers because screening analyses beyond secondary structure information are not considered systematically. We also show that designed pools using our nucleotide transition probability matrices can produce higher yields for RNA ligase motifs than random pools. Our methods for generating, analyzing and designing large pools can help improve RNA design via simulation of aspects of in vitro selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namhee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
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8
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Watrin M, Dausse E, Lebars I, Rayner B, Bugaut A, Toulmé JJ. Aptamers targeting RNA molecules. Methods Mol Biol 2009; 535:79-105. [PMID: 19377979 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-557-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides complementary to RNA sequences interact poorly with folded target regions. In vitro selection of oligonucleotides carried out against RNA structures have led to aptamers that frequently differ from antisense sequences, but rather take advantage of non-double-stranded peculiarities of the target. Studies along this line provide information about tertiary RNA architectures as well as their interaction with ligand of interest. We describe here a genomic SELEX approach and its application to the recognition of stem-loop structures prone to the formation of kissing complexes. We also provide technical details for running a procedure termed 2D-SELEX that takes advantage of both in vitro selection and dynamic combinatorial chemistry. This allows selecting aptamer derivatives containing modified nucleotides that cannot be incorporated by polymerases. Last we present in vitro transcription conditions under which large amounts of RNA, suitable for NMR structural studies, can be obtained. These different aspects of the SELEX technology have been applied to the trans-activating responsive element of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1, which is crucial for the transcription of the retroviral genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Watrin
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Pessac, France, Université Victor Segalen, Bordeaux, France
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9
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Praus P, Kocisová E, Mojzes P, Stepánek J, Seksek O, Sureau F, Turpin PY. Time-resolved microspectrofluorometry and fluorescence imaging techniques: study of porphyrin-mediated cellular uptake of oligonucleotides. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1130:117-21. [PMID: 18596340 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1430.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Time-resolved confocal microspectrofluorometry and fluorescence microscopy imaging were applied to monitor the cellular uptake of fluorescent-labeled oligonucleotides (ONs) delivered by a porphyrin molecule. The fate of porphyrin-ON complexes inside living cells has also been monitored. Due to intrinsic fluorescence of the porphyrin and sensitivity of its characteristics to microenvironment, multicomponent analysis of time-resolved fluorescence provides unique information about stability of the porphyrin-ON complexes, ON interactions with their target sequences, and ON and porphyrin distributions after delivery inside the cells. Time-resolved confocal microspectrofluorometry indeed delivers additional information compared with fluorescence confocal microscopy imaging widely employed to study ON uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Praus
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Ke Karlovu 3, Prague 2, CZ-121 16, Czech Republic.
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10
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11
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Wochner A, Menger M, Rimmele M. Characterisation of aptamers for therapeutic studies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2007; 2:1205-24. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2.9.1205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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12
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Di Giusto DA, Knox SM, Lai Y, Tyrelle GD, Aung MT, King GC. Multitasking by multivalent circular DNA aptamers. Chembiochem 2006; 7:535-44. [PMID: 16482500 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200500316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are finding increasing applications in biology, especially as therapeutic candidates and diagnostic components. An important characteristic in meeting the needs of these applications is improved stability in physiological fluids, which is most often accomplished with chemical modification or unnatural nucleotides. In an alternative approach we have specified the design of a multivalent circular DNA aptamer topology that encompasses a number of properties relevant to nucleic acid therapeutic candidates, especially the ability to multitask by combining different activities together within a modular structure. Improved stability in blood products, greater conformational stability, antidoting by complementary circular antiaptamers, heterovalency, transcription factor decoy activity and minimal unintended effects upon the cellular innate immune response are desirable properties that are described here. Multitasking by circular DNA aptamers could similarly find applications in diagnostics and biomaterials, where the combination of interchangeable modules might generate new functions, such as anticoagulation coupled with reversible cell capture as, described here. These results provide a platform for further exploration of multivalent circular aptamer properties, especially in novel combinations of nucleic acid therapeutic modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Di Giusto
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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13
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Overhoff M, Sczakiel G. Phosphorothioate-stimulated uptake of short interfering RNA by human cells. EMBO Rep 2006; 6:1176-81. [PMID: 16170302 PMCID: PMC1369202 DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2005] [Revised: 07/14/2005] [Accepted: 08/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a main hurdle in therapeutic drug development. Here, we describe that phosphorothioate (PTO)-derived oligonucleotides stimulate the physical cellular uptake of siRNA in trans in human cells. This is reflected by an apparent dose-dependent siRNA-mediated suppression of lamin A/C in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The PTO-stimulated cellular uptake in trans is concentration dependent, length dependent, related to the phosphorothioate chemistry but not sequence specific. We provide experimental evidence to support a caveolin-mediated uptake mechanism. In sum, this work strongly suggests the exploration of PTOs as facilitators in the delivery of biologically active siRNA to mammalian cells.
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MESH Headings
- Caveolins/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Humans
- Laminin/metabolism
- Models, Biological
- Molecular Structure
- Okadaic Acid/pharmacology
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- Umbilical Veins/cytology
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Overhoff
- Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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14
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Menger M, Glökler J, Rimmele M. Application of aptamers in therapeutics and for small-molecule detection. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2006:359-73. [PMID: 16594625 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-27262-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids that can bind with high affinity and specificity to target molecules are called "apta mers". Aptamers recognise a large variety of different molecule classes. The main focus of this chapter is small molecules as targets. Aptamers are applied complementarily to antibody technologies and can substitute antibodies or small molecules wherever their different properties, such as biochemical nature or highly discriminating capacities, are advantageous. Examples of promising applications of these versatile molecules are discussed in the field of therapeutics and biotechnology with a special view to small-molecule detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Menger
- RiNA Netzwerk RNA-Technologien GmbH, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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15
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Abstract
Riboswitches are structured domains that usually reside in the noncoding regions of mRNAs, where they bind metabolites and control gene expression. Like their protein counterparts, these RNA gene control elements form highly specific binding pockets for the target metabolite and undergo allosteric changes in structure. Numerous classes of riboswitches are present in bacteria and they comprise a common and robust metabolite-sensing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade C Winkler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
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16
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Kang J, Lee MS, Watowich SJ, Gorenstein DG. Chemiluminescence-based electrophoretic mobility shift assay of RNA-protein interactions: application to binding of viral capsid proteins to RNA. J Virol Methods 2005; 131:155-9. [PMID: 16182384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2005.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2005] [Accepted: 08/18/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A chemiluminescence electrophoretic mobility shift assay was introduced for the study of RNA-protein interactions that include association of genomic RNA and viral capsid proteins. Binding of the capsid protein of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) to several types of RNA was used as a model system to test the application of the method. The effects of RNA secondary structures and the significance of electrostatic interaction on binding were identified. This method may have wide application to the study of RNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghoon Kang
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Abstract
The year 2004 represents a milestone for the biosensor research community: in this year, over 1000 articles were published describing experiments performed using commercially available systems. The 1038 papers we found represent an approximately 10% increase over the past year and demonstrate that the implementation of biosensors continues to expand at a healthy pace. We evaluated the data presented in each paper and compiled a 'top 10' list. These 10 articles, which we recommend every biosensor user reads, describe well-performed kinetic, equilibrium and qualitative/screening studies, provide comparisons between binding parameters obtained from different biosensor users, as well as from biosensor- and solution-based interaction analyses, and summarize the cutting-edge applications of the technology. We also re-iterate some of the experimental pitfalls that lead to sub-optimal data and over-interpreted results. We are hopeful that the biosensor community, by applying the hints we outline, will obtain data on a par with that presented in the 10 spotlighted articles. This will ensure that the scientific community at large can be confident in the data we report from optical biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Rich
- Center for Biomolecular Interaction Analysis, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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18
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Abstract
RNA and DNA molecules can form complex, three-dimensional folded structures that have surprisingly sophisticated functions, including catalysing chemical reactions and controlling gene expression. Although natural nucleic acids make occasional use of these advanced functions, the true potential for sophisticated function by these biological polymers is far greater. An important challenge for biochemists is to take RNA and DNA beyond their proven use as polymers that form double-helical structures. Molecular engineers are beginning to harness the power of nucleic acids that form more complex three-dimensional structures, and apply them as tools for exploring biological systems and as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald R Breaker
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P. O. Box 208103, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA.
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