1
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Jang SS, Ray KK, Lynall DG, Shepard KL, Nuckolls C, Gonzalez RL. RNA adapts its flexibility to efficiently fold and resist unfolding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.27.595525. [PMID: 38853856 PMCID: PMC11160689 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.27.595525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the mechanisms through which biopolymers like RNA interconvert between multiple folded structures are critical for their cellular functions. A major obstacle to elucidating these mechanisms is the lack of experimental approaches that can resolve these interconversions between functionally relevant biomolecular structures. Here, using a nano-electronic device with microsecond time resolution, we dissect the complete set of structural rearrangements executed by an ultra-stable RNA, the UUCG stem-loop, at the single-molecule level. We show that the stem-loop samples at least four conformations along two folding pathways leading to two distinct folded structures, only one of which has been previously observed. By modulating its flexibility, the stem-loop can adaptively select between these pathways, enabling it to both fold rapidly and resist unfolding. This paradigm of stabilization through compensatory changes in flexibility broadens our understanding of stable RNA structures and is expected to serve as a general strategy employed by all biopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukjin S. Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Korak Kumar Ray
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - David G. Lynall
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Kenneth L. Shepard
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Colin Nuckolls
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Ruben L. Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
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2
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Trinity L, Stege U, Jabbari H. Tying the knot: Unraveling the intricacies of the coronavirus frameshift pseudoknot. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011787. [PMID: 38713726 PMCID: PMC11108256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding and targeting functional RNA structures towards treatment of coronavirus infection can help us to prepare for novel variants of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19), and any other coronaviruses that could emerge via human-to-human transmission or potential zoonotic (inter-species) events. Leveraging the fact that all coronaviruses use a mechanism known as -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) to replicate, we apply algorithms to predict the most energetically favourable secondary structures (each nucleotide involved in at most one pairing) that may be involved in regulating the -1 PRF event in coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2. We compute previously unknown most stable structure predictions for the frameshift site of coronaviruses via hierarchical folding, a biologically motivated framework where initial non-crossing structure folds first, followed by subsequent, possibly crossing (pseudoknotted), structures. Using mutual information from 181 coronavirus sequences, in conjunction with the algorithm KnotAli, we compute secondary structure predictions for the frameshift site of different coronaviruses. We then utilize the Shapify algorithm to obtain most stable SARS-CoV-2 secondary structure predictions guided by frameshift sequence-specific and genome-wide experimental data. We build on our previous secondary structure investigation of the singular SARS-CoV-2 68 nt frameshift element sequence, by using Shapify to obtain predictions for 132 extended sequences and including covariation information. Previous investigations have not applied hierarchical folding to extended length SARS-CoV-2 frameshift sequences. By doing so, we simulate the effects of ribosome interaction with the frameshift site, providing insight to biological function. We contribute in-depth discussion to contextualize secondary structure dual-graph motifs for SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the energetic stability of the previously identified 3_8 motif alongside the known dominant 3_3 and 3_6 (native-type) -1 PRF structures. Using a combination of thermodynamic methods and sequence covariation, our novel predictions suggest function of the attenuator hairpin via previously unknown pseudoknotted base pairing. While certain initial RNA folding is consistent, other pseudoknotted base pairs form which indicate potential conformational switching between the two structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Trinity
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ulrike Stege
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hosna Jabbari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Verma AR, Ray KK, Bodick M, Kinz-Thompson CD, Gonzalez RL. Increasing the accuracy of single-molecule data analysis using tMAVEN. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00038-9. [PMID: 38268189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Time-dependent single-molecule experiments contain rich kinetic information about the functional dynamics of biomolecules. A key step in extracting this information is the application of kinetic models, such as hidden Markov models (HMMs), which characterize the molecular mechanism governing the experimental system. Unfortunately, researchers rarely know the physicochemical details of this molecular mechanism a priori, which raises questions about how to select the most appropriate kinetic model for a given single-molecule data set and what consequences arise if the wrong model is chosen. To address these questions, we have developed and used time-series modeling, analysis, and visualization environment (tMAVEN), a comprehensive, open-source, and extensible software platform. tMAVEN can perform each step of the single-molecule analysis pipeline, from preprocessing to kinetic modeling to plotting, and has been designed to enable the analysis of a single-molecule data set with multiple types of kinetic models. Using tMAVEN, we have systematically investigated mismatches between kinetic models and molecular mechanisms by analyzing simulated examples of prototypical single-molecule data sets exhibiting common experimental complications, such as molecular heterogeneity, with a series of different types of HMMs. Our results show that no single kinetic modeling strategy is mathematically appropriate for all experimental contexts. Indeed, HMMs only correctly capture the underlying molecular mechanism in the simplest of cases. As such, researchers must modify HMMs using physicochemical principles to avoid the risk of missing the significant biological and biophysical insights into molecular heterogeneity that their experiments provide. By enabling the facile, side-by-side application of multiple types of kinetic models to individual single-molecule data sets, tMAVEN allows researchers to carefully tailor their modeling approach to match the complexity of the underlying biomolecular dynamics and increase the accuracy of their single-molecule data analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali R Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Korak Kumar Ray
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Maya Bodick
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Ruben L Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York.
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4
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Verma AR, Ray KK, Bodick M, Kinz-Thompson CD, Gonzalez RL. Increasing the accuracy of single-molecule data analysis using tMAVEN. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.15.553409. [PMID: 37645812 PMCID: PMC10462008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.15.553409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Time-dependent single-molecule experiments contain rich kinetic information about the functional dynamics of biomolecules. A key step in extracting this information is the application of kinetic models, such as hidden Markov models (HMMs), which characterize the molecular mechanism governing the experimental system. Unfortunately, researchers rarely know the physico-chemical details of this molecular mechanism a priori, which raises questions about how to select the most appropriate kinetic model for a given single-molecule dataset and what consequences arise if the wrong model is chosen. To address these questions, we have developed and used time-series Modeling, Analysis, and Visualization ENvironment (tMAVEN), a comprehensive, open-source, and extensible software platform. tMAVEN can perform each step of the single-molecule analysis pipeline, from pre-processing to kinetic modeling to plotting, and has been designed to enable the analysis of a single-molecule dataset with multiple types of kinetic models. Using tMAVEN, we have systematically investigated mismatches between kinetic models and molecular mechanisms by analyzing simulated examples of prototypical single-molecule datasets exhibiting common experimental complications, such as molecular heterogeneity, with a series of different types of HMMs. Our results show that no single kinetic modeling strategy is mathematically appropriate for all experimental contexts. Indeed, HMMs only correctly capture the underlying molecular mechanism in the simplest of cases. As such, researchers must modify HMMs using physico-chemical principles to avoid the risk of missing the significant biological and biophysical insights into molecular heterogeneity that their experiments provide. By enabling the facile, side-by-side application of multiple types of kinetic models to individual single-molecule datasets, tMAVEN allows researchers to carefully tailor their modeling approach to match the complexity of the underlying biomolecular dynamics and increase the accuracy of their single-molecule data analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali R. Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Korak Kumar Ray
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Maya Bodick
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | | | - Ruben L. Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
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5
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Zielinski KA, Sui S, Pabit SA, Rivera DA, Wang T, Hu Q, Kashipathy MM, Lisova S, Schaffer CB, Mariani V, Hunter MS, Kupitz C, Moss FR, Poitevin FP, Grant TD, Pollack L. RNA structures and dynamics with Å resolution revealed by x-ray free-electron lasers. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj3509. [PMID: 37756398 PMCID: PMC10530093 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj3509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA macromolecules, like proteins, fold to assume shapes that are intimately connected to their broadly recognized biological functions; however, because of their high charge and dynamic nature, RNA structures are far more challenging to determine. We introduce an approach that exploits the high brilliance of x-ray free-electron laser sources to reveal the formation and ready identification of angstrom-scale features in structured and unstructured RNAs. Previously unrecognized structural signatures of RNA secondary and tertiary structures are identified through wide-angle solution scattering experiments. With millisecond time resolution, we observe an RNA fold from a dynamically varying single strand through a base-paired intermediate to assume a triple-helix conformation. While the backbone orchestrates the folding, the final structure is locked in by base stacking. This method may help to rapidly characterize and identify structural elements in nucleic acids in both equilibrium and time-resolved experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara A. Zielinski
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Shuo Sui
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Suzette A. Pabit
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Daniel A. Rivera
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tong Wang
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Qingyue Hu
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Maithri M. Kashipathy
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Stella Lisova
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Chris B. Schaffer
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Valerio Mariani
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Mark S. Hunter
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Christopher Kupitz
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Frank R. Moss
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Frédéric P. Poitevin
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Thomas D. Grant
- Department of Structural Biology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Lois Pollack
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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6
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Siddika MA, Oi H, Hidaka K, Sugiyama H, Endo M, Matsumura S, Ikawa Y. Structural Expansion of Catalytic RNA Nanostructures through Oligomerization of a Cyclic Trimer of Engineered Ribozymes. Molecules 2023; 28:6465. [PMID: 37764241 PMCID: PMC10535472 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The multimolecular assembly of three-dimensionally structured proteins forms their quaternary structures, some of which have high geometric symmetry. The size and complexity of protein quaternary structures often increase in a hierarchical manner, with simpler, smaller structures serving as units for larger quaternary structures. In this study, we exploited oligomerization of a ribozyme cyclic trimer to achieve larger ribozyme-based RNA assembly. By installing kissing loop (KL) interacting units to one-, two-, or three-unit RNA molecules in the ribozyme trimer, we constructed dimers, open-chain oligomers, and branched oligomers of ribozyme trimer units. One type of open-chain oligomer preferentially formed a closed tetramer containing 12 component RNAs to provide 12 ribozyme units. We also observed large assembly of ribozyme trimers, which reached 1000 nm in size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mst. Ayesha Siddika
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Toyama, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Hiroki Oi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kumi Hidaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan; (H.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Masayuki Endo
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan; (H.S.); (M.E.)
- Organization for Research and Development of Innovative Science and Technology, Kansai University, Suita 564-8680, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Matsumura
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Toyama, Japan (S.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ikawa
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Toyama, Japan (S.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Toyama, Japan
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7
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Hidalgo M, Ramos C, Zolla G. Analysis of lncRNAs in Lupinus mutabilis (Tarwi) and Their Potential Role in Drought Response. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:48. [PMID: 37736894 PMCID: PMC10514842 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9050048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupinus mutabilis is a legume with high agronomic potential and available transcriptomic data for which lncRNAs have not been studied. Therefore, our objective was to identify, characterize, and validate the drought-responsive lncRNAs in L. mutabilis. To achieve this, we used a multilevel approach based on lncRNA prediction, annotation, subcellular location, thermodynamic characterization, structural conservation, and validation. Thus, 590 lncRNAs were identified by at least two algorithms of lncRNA identification. Annotation with the PLncDB database showed 571 lncRNAs unique to tarwi and 19 lncRNAs with homology in 28 botanical families including Solanaceae (19), Fabaceae (17), Brassicaceae (17), Rutaceae (17), Rosaceae (16), and Malvaceae (16), among others. In total, 12 lncRNAs had homology in more than 40 species. A total of 67% of lncRNAs were located in the cytoplasm and 33% in exosomes. Thermodynamic characterization of S03 showed a stable secondary structure with -105.67 kcal/mol. This structure included three regions, with a multibranch loop containing a hairpin with a SECIS-like element. Evaluation of the structural conservation by CROSSalign revealed partial similarities between L. mutabilis (S03) and S. lycopersicum (Solyc04r022210.1). RT-PCR validation demonstrated that S03 was upregulated in a drought-tolerant accession of L. mutabilis. Finally, these results highlighted the importance of lncRNAs in tarwi improvement under drought conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Hidalgo
- Programa de Estudio de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Av. América Sur 3145, Trujillo 13008, Peru; (M.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Cynthia Ramos
- Programa de Estudio de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Av. América Sur 3145, Trujillo 13008, Peru; (M.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Gaston Zolla
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular de Plantas del Programa de Cereales y Granos Nativos, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima 12, Peru
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8
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Zielinski KA, Sui S, Pabit SA, Rivera DA, Wang T, Hu Q, Kashipathy MM, Lisova S, Schaffer CB, Mariani V, Hunter MS, Kupitz C, Moss FR, Poitevin FP, Grant TD, Pollack L. RNA structures and dynamics with Å resolution revealed by x-ray free electron lasers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.24.541763. [PMID: 37292849 PMCID: PMC10245879 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.24.541763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA macromolecules, like proteins, fold to assume shapes that are intimately connected to their broadly recognized biological functions; however, because of their high charge and dynamic nature, RNA structures are far more challenging to determine. We introduce an approach that exploits the high brilliance of x-ray free electron laser sources to reveal the formation and ready identification of Å scale features in structured and unstructured RNAs. New structural signatures of RNA secondary and tertiary structures are identified through wide angle solution scattering experiments. With millisecond time resolution, we observe an RNA fold from a dynamically varying single strand through a base paired intermediate to assume a triple helix conformation. While the backbone orchestrates the folding, the final structure is locked in by base stacking. In addition to understanding how RNA triplexes form and thereby function as dynamic signaling elements, this new method can vastly increase the rate of structure determination for these biologically essential, but mostly uncharacterized macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara A. Zielinski
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Shuo Sui
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Suzette A. Pabit
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Daniel A. Rivera
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Tong Wang
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Qingyue Hu
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Maithri M. Kashipathy
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Stella Lisova
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Chris B. Schaffer
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Valerio Mariani
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Mark S. Hunter
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Christopher Kupitz
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Frank R. Moss
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Frédéric P. Poitevin
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Thomas D. Grant
- Department of Structural Biology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences; University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203 USA
| | - Lois Pollack
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14853 USA
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9
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Hansen LN, Kletzien OA, Urquijo M, Schwanz LT, Batey RT. Context-dependence of T-loop Mediated Long-range RNA Tertiary Interactions. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168070. [PMID: 37003469 PMCID: PMC10152882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The architecture and folding of complex RNAs is governed by a limited set of highly recurrent structural motifs that form long-range tertiary interactions. One of these motifs is the T-loop, which was first identified in tRNA but is broadly distributed across biological RNAs. While the T-loop has been examined in detail in different biological contexts, the various receptors that it interacts with are not as well defined. In this study, we use a cell-based genetic screen in concert with bioinformatic analysis to examine three different, but related, T-loop receptor motifs found in the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and cobalamin (Cbl) riboswitches. As a host for different T-loop receptors, we employed the env8 class-II Cbl riboswitch, an RNA that uses two T-loop motifs for both folding and supporting the ligand binding pocket. A set of libraries was created in which select nucleotides that participate in the T-loop/T-loop receptor (TL/TLR) interaction were fully randomized. Library members were screened for their ability to support Cbl-dependent expression of a reporter gene. While T-loops appear to be variable in sequence, we find that the functional sequence space is more restricted in the Cbl riboswitch, suggesting that TL/TLR interactions are context dependent. Our data reveal clear sequence signatures for the different types of receptor motifs that align with phylogenic analysis of these motifs in the FMN and Cbl riboswitches. Finally, our data suggest the functional contribution of various nucleobase-mediated long-range interactions within the riboswitch subclass of TL/TLR interactions that are distinct from those found in other RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa N Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Otto A Kletzien
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Marcus Urquijo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Logan T Schwanz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA. https://twitter.com/Lschwanzbio
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA.
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10
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Shin JH, Bonilla SL, Denny SK, Greenleaf WJ, Herschlag D. Dissecting the energetic architecture within an RNA tertiary structural motif via high-throughput thermodynamic measurements. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220485120. [PMID: 36897989 PMCID: PMC10243134 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220485120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Structured RNAs and RNA/protein complexes perform critical cellular functions. They often contain structurally conserved tertiary contact "motifs," whose occurrence simplifies the RNA folding landscape. Prior studies have focused on the conformational and energetic modularity of intact motifs. Here, we turn to the dissection of one common motif, the 11nt receptor (11ntR), using quantitative analysis of RNA on a massively parallel array to measure the binding of all single and double 11ntR mutants to GAAA and GUAA tetraloops, thereby probing the energetic architecture of the motif. While the 11ntR behaves as a motif, its cooperativity is not absolute. Instead, we uncovered a gradient from high cooperativity amongst base-paired and neighboring residues to additivity between distant residues. As expected, substitutions at residues in direct contact with the GAAA tetraloop resulted in the largest decreases to binding, and energetic penalties of mutations were substantially smaller for binding to the alternate GUAA tetraloop, which lacks tertiary contacts present with the canonical GAAA tetraloop. However, we found that the energetic consequences of base partner substitutions are not, in general, simply described by base pair type or isostericity. We also found exceptions to the previously established stability-abundance relationship for 11ntR sequence variants. These findings of "exceptions to the rule" highlight the power of systematic high-throughput approaches to uncover novel variants for future study in addition to providing an energetic map of a functional RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Steve L. Bonilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Sarah K. Denny
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Scribe Therapeutics, Alameda, CA94501
| | - William J. Greenleaf
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Daniel Herschlag
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
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11
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Ateiah M, Gandalipov ER, Rubel AA, Rubel MS, Kolpashchikov DM. DNA Nanomachine (DNM) Biplex Assay for Differentiating Bacillus cereus Species. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054473. [PMID: 36901903 PMCID: PMC10003685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional methods for the detection and differentiation of Bacillus cereus group species have drawbacks mostly due to the complexity of genetic discrimination between the Bacillus cereus species. Here, we describe a simple and straightforward assay based on the detected unamplified bacterial 16S rRNA by DNA nanomachine (DNM). The assay uses a universal fluorescent reporter and four all-DNA binding fragments, three of which are responsible for "opening up" the folded rRNA while the fourth stand is responsible for detecting single nucleotide variation (SNV) with high selectivity. Binding of the DNM to 16S rRNA results in the formation of the 10-23 deoxyribozyme catalytic core that cleaves the fluorescent reporter and produces a signal, which is amplified over time due to catalytic turnover. This developed biplex assay enables the detection of B. thuringiensis 16S rRNA at fluorescein and B. mycoides at Cy5 channels with a limit of detection of 30 × 103 and 35 × 103 CFU/mL, respectively, after 1.5 h with a hands-on time of ~10 min. The new assay may simplify the analysis of biological RNA samples and might be useful for environmental monitoring as a simple and inexpensive alternative to amplification-based nucleic acid analysis. The DNM proposed here may become an advantageous tool for detecting SNV in clinically significant DNA or RNA samples and can easily differentiate SNV under broadly variable experimental conditions and without prior amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhannad Ateiah
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Erik R. Gandalipov
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Aleksandr A. Rubel
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya enb. 7-9, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia;
| | - Maria S. Rubel
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Dmitry M. Kolpashchikov
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, Lomonosova St. 9, St. Petersburg 191002, Russia; (M.A.); (E.R.G.); (M.S.R.)
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, USA
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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O’Leary CA, Tompkins VS, Rouse WB, Nam G, Moss W. Thermodynamic and structural characterization of an EBV infected B-cell lymphoma transcriptome. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac082. [PMID: 36285286 PMCID: PMC9585548 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a widely prevalent human herpes virus infecting over 95% of all adults and is associated with a variety of B-cell cancers and induction of multiple sclerosis. EBV accomplishes this in part by expression of coding and noncoding RNAs and alteration of the host cell transcriptome. To better understand the structures which are forming in the viral and host transcriptomes of infected cells, the RNA structure probing technique Structure-seq2 was applied to the BJAB-B1 cell line (an EBV infected B-cell lymphoma). This resulted in reactivity profiles and secondary structural analyses for over 10000 human mRNAs and lncRNAs, along with 19 lytic and latent EBV transcripts. We report in-depth structural analyses for the human MYC mRNA and the human lncRNA CYTOR. Additionally, we provide a new model for the EBV noncoding RNA EBER2 and provide the first reported model for the EBV tandem terminal repeat RNA. In-depth thermodynamic and structural analyses were carried out with the motif discovery tool ScanFold and RNAfold prediction tool; subsequent covariation analyses were performed on resulting models finding various levels of support. ScanFold results for all analyzed transcripts are made available for viewing and download on the user-friendly RNAStructuromeDB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin A O’Leary
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Van S Tompkins
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Warren B Rouse
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Gijong Nam
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Walter N Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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13
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Bonilla SL, Kieft JS. The promise of cryo-EM to explore RNA structural dynamics. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167802. [PMID: 36049551 PMCID: PMC10084733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Conformational dynamics are essential to macromolecular function. This is certainly true of RNA, whose ability to undergo programmed conformational dynamics is essential to create and regulate complex biological processes. However, methods to easily and simultaneously interrogate both the structure and conformational dynamics of fully functional RNAs in isolation and in complex with proteins have not historically been available. Due to its ability to image and classify single particles, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has the potential to address this gap and may be particularly amenable to exploring structural dynamics within the three-dimensional folds of biologically active RNAs. We discuss the possibilities and current limitations of applying cryo-EM to simultaneously study RNA structure and conformational dynamics, and present one example that illustrates this (as of yet) not fully realized potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve L Bonilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. https://twitter.com/Steve_Bonilla
| | - Jeffrey S Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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14
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Zawadzka M, Andrzejewska-Romanowska A, Gumna J, Garfinkel DJ, Pachulska-Wieczorek K. Cell Compartment-Specific Folding of Ty1 Long Terminal Repeat Retrotransposon RNA Genome. Viruses 2022; 14:2007. [PMID: 36146813 PMCID: PMC9503155 DOI: 10.3390/v14092007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural transitions RNAs undergo during trafficking are not well understood. Here, we used the well-developed yeast Ty1 retrotransposon to provide the first structural model of genome (g) RNA in the nucleus from a retrovirus-like transposon. Through a detailed comparison of nuclear Ty1 gRNA structure with those established in the cytoplasm, virus-like particles (VLPs), and those synthesized in vitro, we detected Ty1 gRNA structural alterations that occur during retrotransposition. Full-length Ty1 gRNA serves as the mRNA for Gag and Gag-Pol proteins and as the genome that is reverse transcribed within VLPs. We show that about 60% of base pairs predicted for the nuclear Ty1 gRNA appear in the cytoplasm, and active translation does not account for such structural differences. Most of the shared base pairs are represented by short-range interactions, whereas the long-distance pairings seem unique for each compartment. Highly structured motifs tend to be preserved after nuclear export of Ty1 gRNA. In addition, our study highlights the important role of Ty1 Gag in mediating critical RNA-RNA interactions required for retrotransposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Zawadzka
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Angelika Andrzejewska-Romanowska
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Julita Gumna
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - David J. Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pachulska-Wieczorek
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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15
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Reed MA, Gerasimova YV. Single-tube isothermal label-free fluorescent sensor for pathogen detection based on genetic signatures. Front Chem 2022; 10:951279. [PMID: 36118306 PMCID: PMC9475119 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.951279] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on a single-tube biosensor for real-time detection of bacterial pathogens with multiplex capabilities. The biosensor consists of two DNA probes, which bind to the complementary fragment of a bacterial RNA to form a three-way junction (3WJ) nucleic acid structure. One of the probes encodes a fluorescent light-up RNA aptamer under T7 promoter. It allows for generation of multiple aptamer copies due to elongation and transcription of the 3WJ structure in the presence of the complementary target. The aptamer coordinates and thereby enhances fluorescence of a cognate fluorogenic dye, allowing for fluorescent detection of the RNA target. Multiple aptamer copies can be produced from a single target-dependent 3WJ structure allowing for amplification and visual observation of the signal. The limit of detection depended on the assay time and was found to be 1.7 nM or 0.6 nM for 30-min or 60-min assay, respectively, when N-methylmesoporphyrin IX (NMM) was used as a fluorescent indicator. The sensor is excellent in analyzing folded RNA targets and differentiating between closely related sequences due to the multicomponent character of the target-interrogating probe. Response to unamplified samples of total bacterial RNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex or Escherichia coli was observed with excellent selectivity within 30 min under isothermal conditions at 50°C in a one-tube one-step assay. Several bacterial species can be detected in multiplex by utilizing biosensors with the template strands encoding different light-up aptamers. The isothermal one-tube-one-step format of the assay and the possibility to monitor the signal visually makes it amenable to use in a point-of-care scenario.
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16
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Bonilla SL, Vicens Q, Kieft JS. Cryo-EM reveals an entangled kinetic trap in the folding of a catalytic RNA. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq4144. [PMID: 36026457 PMCID: PMC9417180 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq4144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Functional RNAs fold through complex pathways that can contain misfolded "kinetic traps." A complete model of RNA folding requires understanding the formation of these misfolded states, but they are difficult to characterize because of their transient and potentially conformationally dynamic nature. We used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to visualize a long-lived misfolded state in the folding pathway of the Tetrahymena thermophila group I intron, a paradigmatic RNA structure-function model system. The structure revealed how this state forms native-like secondary structure and tertiary contacts but contains two incorrectly crossed strands, consistent with a previous model. This incorrect topology mispositions a critical catalytic domain and cannot be resolved locally as extensive refolding is required. This work provides a structural framework for interpreting decades of biochemical and functional studies and demonstrates the power of cryo-EM for the exploration of RNA folding pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve L. Bonilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Quentin Vicens
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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17
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Bohnsack KE, Kanwal N, Bohnsack MT. Prp43/DHX15 exemplify RNA helicase multifunctionality in the gene expression network. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9012-9022. [PMID: 35993807 PMCID: PMC9458436 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of RNA folding and structure is critical for the biogenesis and function of RNAs and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. Through their nucleotide triphosphate-dependent remodelling functions, RNA helicases are key modulators of RNA/RNP structure. While some RNA helicases are dedicated to a specific target RNA, others are multifunctional and engage numerous substrate RNAs in different aspects of RNA metabolism. The discovery of such multitasking RNA helicases raises the intriguing question of how these enzymes can act on diverse RNAs but also maintain specificity for their particular targets within the RNA-dense cellular environment. Furthermore, the identification of RNA helicases that sit at the nexus between different aspects of RNA metabolism raises the possibility that they mediate cross-regulation of different cellular processes. Prominent and extensively characterized multifunctional DEAH/RHA-box RNA helicases are DHX15 and its Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) homologue Prp43. Due to their central roles in key cellular processes, these enzymes have also served as prototypes for mechanistic studies elucidating the mode of action of this type of enzyme. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the structure, regulation and cellular functions of Prp43/DHX15, and discuss the general concept and implications of RNA helicase multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Bohnsack
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Katherine E. Bohnsack. Tel: +49 551 3969305; Fax: +49 551 395960;
| | - Nidhi Kanwal
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 551 395968; Fax: +49 551 395960;
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18
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Box-shaped ribozyme octamer formed by face-to-face dimerization of a pair of square-shaped ribozyme tetramers. J Biosci Bioeng 2022; 134:195-202. [PMID: 35810135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring ribozymes with defined three-dimensional (3D) structures serve as promising platforms for the design and construction of artificial RNA nanostructures. We constructed a hexameric ribozyme nanostructure by face-to-face dimerization of a pair of triangular ribozyme trimers, unit RNAs of which were derived from the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme. In this study, we have expanded the dimerization strategy to a square-shaped ribozyme tetramer by introducing four pillar units. The resulting box-shaped nanostructures, which contained eight ribozyme units, can be assembled from either four or two components of their unit RNAs.
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19
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Gorbenko DA, Shkodenko LA, Rubel MS, Slita AV, Nikitina EV, Martens EA, Kolpashchikov DM. DNA nanomachine for visual detection of structured RNA and double stranded DNA. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:5395-5398. [PMID: 35415727 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc00325b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Visual detection of ssRNA and dsDNA amplicons was achieved at room temperature without the need for a probe-analyte annealing stage. This approach uses a DNA nanostructure equipped with two analyte-binding arms. Highly selective binding of the third arm leads to the formation of a G-quadruplex structure capable of changing the solution color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A Gorbenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 9 Lomonosova Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation. .,Ioffe Institute, 26 Politekhnicheskaya, St. Petersburg, 194021, Russian Federation
| | - Liubov A Shkodenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 9 Lomonosova Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation.
| | - Maria S Rubel
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 9 Lomonosova Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation.
| | - Aleksandr V Slita
- St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, 14 Mira Str., St. Petersburg, 197101, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina V Nikitina
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, 9 Prof. Popova Str, Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russian Federation
| | - Elvira A Martens
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, 9 Prof. Popova Str, Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry M Kolpashchikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 9 Lomonosova Str., St. Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation. .,Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816, USA.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA.,National Center for Forensic Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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20
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Kameda T, Awazu A, Togashi Y. Molecular dynamics analysis of biomolecular systems including nucleic acids. Biophys Physicobiol 2022; 19:e190027. [DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v19.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Akinori Awazu
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
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21
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High-throughput dissection of the thermodynamic and conformational properties of a ubiquitous class of RNA tertiary contact motifs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2109085118. [PMID: 34373334 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109085118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite RNA's diverse secondary and tertiary structures and its complex conformational changes, nature utilizes a limited set of structural "motifs"-helices, junctions, and tertiary contact modules-to build diverse functional RNAs. Thus, in-depth descriptions of a relatively small universe of RNA motifs may lead to predictive models of RNA tertiary conformational landscapes. Motifs may have different properties depending on sequence and secondary structure, giving rise to subclasses that expand the universe of RNA building blocks. Yet we know very little about motif subclasses, given the challenges in mapping conformational properties in high throughput. Previously, we used "RNA on a massively parallel array" (RNA-MaP), a quantitative, high-throughput technique, to study thousands of helices and two-way junctions. Here, we adapt RNA-MaP to study the thermodynamic and conformational properties of tetraloop/tetraloop receptor (TL/TLR) tertiary contact motifs, analyzing 1,493 TLR sequences from different classes. Clustering analyses revealed variability in TL specificity, stability, and conformational behavior. Nevertheless, natural GAAA/11ntR TL/TLRs, while varying in tertiary stability by ∼2.5 kcal/mol, exhibited conserved TL specificity and conformational properties. Thus, RNAs may tune stability without altering the overall structure of these TL/TLRs. Furthermore, their stability correlated with natural frequency, suggesting thermodynamics as the dominant selection pressure. In contrast, other TL/TLRs displayed heterogenous conformational behavior and appear to not be under strong thermodynamic selection. Our results build toward a generalizable model of RNA-folding thermodynamics based on the properties of isolated motifs, and our characterized TL/TLR library can be used to engineer RNAs with predictable thermodynamic and conformational behavior.
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22
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Assembly factors chaperone ribosomal RNA folding by isolating helical junctions that are prone to misfolding. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2101164118. [PMID: 34135123 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2101164118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
While RNAs are known to misfold, the underlying molecular causes have been mainly studied in fragments of biologically relevant larger RNAs. As these small RNAs are dominated by secondary structures, misfolding of these secondary structures remains the most-explored cause for global RNA misfolding. Conversely, how RNA chaperones function in a biological context to promote native folding beyond duplex annealing remains unknown. Here, in a combination of dimethylsulfate mutational profiling with sequencing (DMS-MaPseq), structural analyses, biochemical experiments, and yeast genetics, we show that three-helix junctions are prone to misfolding during assembly of the small ribosomal subunit in vivo. We identify ubiquitous roles for ribosome assembly factors in chaperoning their folding by preventing the formation of premature tertiary interactions, which otherwise kinetically trap misfolded junctions, thereby blocking further progress in the assembly cascade. While these protein chaperones act indirectly by binding the interaction partners of junctions, our analyses also suggest direct roles for small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in binding and chaperoning helical junctions during transcription. While these assembly factors do not utilize energy to ameliorate misfolding, our data demonstrate how their dissociation renders reversible folding steps irreversible, thereby driving native folding and assembly and setting up a timer that dictates the propensity of misfolded intermediates to escape quality control. Finally, the data demonstrate that RNA chaperones act locally on individual tertiary interactions, in contrast to protein chaperones, which globally unfold misfolded proteins.
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23
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Reed AJ, Sapia RJ, Dowis C, Solarez S, Gerasimova YV. Interrogation of highly structured RNA with multicomponent deoxyribozyme probes at ambient temperatures. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1882-1890. [PMID: 32859694 PMCID: PMC7668264 DOI: 10.1261/rna.074864.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecular analysis of RNA through hybridization with sequence-specific probes is challenging due to the intrinsic ability of RNA molecules to form stable secondary and tertiary structures. To overcome the energy barrier toward the probe-RNA complex formation, the probes are made of artificial nucleotides, which are more expensive than their natural counterparts and may still be inefficient. Here, we propose the use of a multicomponent probe based on an RNA-cleaving deoxyribozyme for the analysis of highly structured RNA targets. Efficient interrogation of two native RNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae-a transfer RNA (tRNA) and 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-was achieved at ambient temperature. We achieved detection limits of tRNA down to ∼0.3 nM, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that previously reported for molecular beacon probes. Importantly, no probe annealing to the target was required, with the hybridization assay performed at 37°C. Excess of nonspecific targets did not compromise the performance of the probe, and high interrogation efficiency was maintained by the probes even in complex matrices, such as cell lysate. A linear dynamic range of 0.3-150 nM tRNA was demonstrated. The probe can be adapted for differentiation of a single mismatch in the tRNA-probe complex. Therefore, this study opens a venue toward highly selective, sensitive, robust, and inexpensive assays for the interrogation of biological RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Reed
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32765, USA
| | - Ryan J Sapia
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32765, USA
| | - Charles Dowis
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32765, USA
| | - Sheila Solarez
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32765, USA
| | - Yulia V Gerasimova
- Chemistry Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32765, USA
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24
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Advanced approaches for elucidating structures of large RNAs using NMR spectroscopy and complementary methods. Methods 2020; 183:93-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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25
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Ehrhardt JE, Weeks KM. Time-Resolved, Single-Molecule, Correlated Chemical Probing of RNA. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:18735-18740. [PMID: 33095984 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c06221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Capturing the folding dynamics of large, functionally important RNAs has relied primarily on global measurements of structure or on per-nucleotide chemical probing. These approaches infer, but do not directly measure, through-space structural interactions. Here we introduce trimethyloxonium (TMO) as a chemical probe for RNA. TMO alkylates RNA at high levels in seconds, and thereby enables time-resolved, single-molecule, through-space probing of RNA folding using the RING-MaP correlated chemical probing framework. Time-resolved correlations in the RNase P RNA-a functional RNA with a complex structure stabilized by multiple noncanonical interactions-revealed that a long-range tertiary interaction guides native RNA folding for both secondary and tertiary structure. This unanticipated nonhierarchical folding mechanism was directly validated by examining the consequences of concise disruption of the through-space interaction. Single-molecule, time-resolved RNA structure probing with TMO is poised to reveal a wide range of dynamic RNA folding processes and principles of RNA folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey E Ehrhardt
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, United States
| | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, United States
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26
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Halder A, Kumar S, Valsson O, Reddy G. Mg 2+ Sensing by an RNA Fragment: Role of Mg 2+-Coordinated Water Molecules. J Chem Theory Comput 2020; 16:6702-6715. [PMID: 32941038 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.0c00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RNA molecules selectively bind to specific metal ions to populate their functional active states, making it important to understand their source of ion selectivity. In large RNA systems, metal ions interact with the RNA at multiple locations, making it difficult to decipher the precise role of ions in folding. To overcome this complexity, we studied the role of different metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, and K+) in the folding of a small RNA hairpin motif (5'-ucCAAAga-3') using unbiased all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The advantage of studying this system is that it requires specific binding of a single metal ion to fold to its native state. We find that even for this small RNA, the folding free energy surface (FES) is multidimensional as different metal ions present in the solution can simultaneously facilitate folding. The FES shows that specific binding of a metal ion is indispensable for its folding. We further show that in addition to the negatively charged phosphate groups, the spatial organization of electronegative nucleobase atoms drives the site-specific binding of the metal ions. Even though the binding site cannot discriminate between different metal ions, RNA folds efficiently only in a Mg2+ solution. We show that the rigid network of Mg2+-coordinated water molecules facilitates the formation of important interactions in the transition state. The other metal ions such as K+ and Ca2+ cannot facilitate the formation of such interactions. These results allow us to hypothesize possible metal-sensing mechanisms in large metalloriboswitches and also provide useful insights into the design of appropriate collective variables for studying large RNA molecules using enhanced sampling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antarip Halder
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Omar Valsson
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Govardhan Reddy
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
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27
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Gong Z, Yang S, Dong X, Yang QF, Zhu YL, Xiao Y, Tang C. Hierarchical Conformational Dynamics Confers Thermal Adaptability to preQ 1 RNA Riboswitches. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4523-4543. [PMID: 32522558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Single-stranded noncoding regulatory RNAs, as exemplified by bacterial riboswitches, are highly dynamic. The conformational dynamics allow the riboswitch to reach maximum switching efficiency under appropriate conditions. Here we characterize the conformational dynamics of preQ1 riboswitches from mesophilic and thermophilic bacterial species at various temperatures. With the integrative use of small-angle X-ray scattering, NMR, and molecular dynamics simulations, we model the ensemble-structures of the preQ1 riboswitch aptamers without or with a ligand bound. We show that the preQ1 riboswitch is sufficiently dynamic and fluctuating among multiple folding intermediates only near the physiological temperature of the microorganism. The hierarchical folding dynamics of the RNA involves the docking of 3'-tail to form a second RNA helix and the helical stacking to form an H-type pseudoknot structure. Further, we show that RNA secondary and tertiary dynamics can be modulated by temperature and by the length of an internal loop. The coupled equilibria between RNA folding intermediates are essential for preQ1 binding, and a four-state exchange model can account for the change of ligand-triggered switching efficiency with temperature. Together, we have established a relationship between the hierarchical dynamics and riboswitch function, and illustrated how the RNA adapts to high temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance at Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China.
| | - Shuai Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance at Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance at Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Qing-Fen Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance at Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Yue-Ling Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance at Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Institute of Biophysics, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430074, China
| | - Chun Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance at Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China; Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430074, China.
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28
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Structural Insights into RNA Dimerization: Motifs, Interfaces and Functions. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122881. [PMID: 32585844 PMCID: PMC7357161 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In comparison with the pervasive use of protein dimers and multimers in all domains of life, functional RNA oligomers have so far rarely been observed in nature. Their diminished occurrence contrasts starkly with the robust intrinsic potential of RNA to multimerize through long-range base-pairing ("kissing") interactions, self-annealing of palindromic or complementary sequences, and stable tertiary contact motifs, such as the GNRA tetraloop-receptors. To explore the general mechanics of RNA dimerization, we performed a meta-analysis of a collection of exemplary RNA homodimer structures consisting of viral genomic elements, ribozymes, riboswitches, etc., encompassing both functional and fortuitous dimers. Globally, we found that domain-swapped dimers and antiparallel, head-to-tail arrangements are predominant architectural themes. Locally, we observed that the same structural motifs, interfaces and forces that enable tertiary RNA folding also drive their higher-order assemblies. These feature prominently long-range kissing loops, pseudoknots, reciprocal base intercalations and A-minor interactions. We postulate that the scarcity of functional RNA multimers and limited diversity in multimerization motifs may reflect evolutionary constraints imposed by host antiviral immune surveillance and stress sensing. A deepening mechanistic understanding of RNA multimerization is expected to facilitate investigations into RNA and RNP assemblies, condensates, and granules and enable their potential therapeutical targeting.
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29
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Abstract
The proper regulation of mRNA processing, localization, translation, and degradation occurs on mRNPs. However, the global principles of mRNP organization are poorly understood. We utilize the limited, but existing, information available to present a speculative synthesis of mRNP organization with the following key points. First, mRNPs form a compacted structure due to the inherent folding of RNA. Second, the ribosome is the principal mechanism by which mRNA regions are partially decompacted. Third, mRNPs are 50%-80% protein by weight, consistent with proteins modulating mRNP organization, but also suggesting the majority of mRNA sequences are not directly interacting with RNA-binding proteins. Finally, the ratio of mRNA-binding proteins to mRNAs is higher in the nucleus to allow effective RNA processing and limit the potential for nuclear RNA based aggregation. This synthesis of mRNP understanding provides a model for mRNP biogenesis, structure, and regulation with multiple implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Khong
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, USA
| | - Roy Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, USA
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30
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Refining RNA solution structures with the integrative use of label-free paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s41048-019-00099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNMR structure calculation is inherently integrative, and can incorporate new experimental data as restraints. As RNAs have lower proton densities and are more conformational heterogenous than proteins, the refinement of RNA structures can benefit from additional types of restraints. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) provides distance information between a paramagnetic probe and protein or RNA nuclei. However, covalent conjugation of a paramagnetic probe is difficult for RNAs, thus limiting the use of PRE NMR for RNA structure characterization. Here, we show that the solvent PRE can be accurately measured for RNA labile imino protons, simply with the addition of an inert paramagnetic cosolute. Demonstrated on three RNAs that have increasingly complex topologies, we show that the incorporation of the solvent PRE restraints can significantly improve the precision and accuracy of RNA structures. Importantly, the solvent PRE data can be collected for RNAs without isotope enrichment. Thus, the solvent PRE method can work integratively with other biophysical techniques for better characterization of RNA structures.
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31
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Sequence-dependent RNA helix conformational preferences predictably impact tertiary structure formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:16847-16855. [PMID: 31375637 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901530116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Structured RNAs and RNA complexes underlie biological processes ranging from control of gene expression to protein translation. Approximately 50% of nucleotides within known structured RNAs are folded into Watson-Crick (WC) base pairs, and sequence changes that preserve these pairs are typically assumed to preserve higher-order RNA structure and binding of macromolecule partners. Here, we report that indirect effects of the helix sequence on RNA tertiary stability are, in fact, significant but are nevertheless predictable from a simple computational model called RNAMake-∆∆G. When tested through the RNA on a massively parallel array (RNA-MaP) experimental platform, blind predictions for >1500 variants of the tectoRNA heterodimer model system achieve high accuracy (rmsd 0.34 and 0.77 kcal/mol for sequence and length changes, respectively). Detailed comparison of predictions to experiments support a microscopic picture of how helix sequence changes subtly modulate conformational fluctuations at each base-pair step, which accumulate to impact RNA tertiary structure stability. Our study reveals a previously overlooked phenomenon in RNA structure formation and provides a framework of computation and experiment for understanding helix conformational preferences and their impact across biological RNA and RNA-protein assemblies.
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