A5052276337- RNA Research and Splicing
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- RNA modifications and cancer
- PARP inhibition in cancer therapy
- Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins
- Calcium signaling and nucleotide metabolism
- Enzyme Structure and Function
- Advanced X-ray Imaging Techniques
- Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques and Applications
Cornell University
2023-2025
Abstract Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates have distinct physiological and pathological significance, but the structure of RNA within them is not well understood. Using contrast-variation solution X-ray scattering, which discerns only structures protein-RNA complexes, alongside ensemble-based structural modeling we characterize conformational changes flexible poly-A, poly-U poly-C single stranded as it interacts with polybasic peptides, eventually forming condensed coacervate mixtures. At...
Disordered single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) molecules, like their well-folded counterparts, have crucial functions that depend on structures. However, since native ssRNAs constitute a highly heterogeneous conformer population, structural characterization poses challenges. One important question regards the role of sequence in influencing ssRNA structure. Here, we adopt an integrated approach combines solution-based measurements, including small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and Förster resonance...
RNA macromolecules, like proteins, fold to assume shapes that are intimately connected their broadly recognized biological functions; however, because of high charge and dynamic nature, structures far more challenging determine. We introduce an approach exploits the brilliance x-ray free-electron laser sources reveal formation ready identification angstrom-scale features in structured unstructured RNAs. Previously unrecognized structural signatures secondary tertiary identified through...
Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR), as part of a post-translational modification, serves flexible scaffold for noncovalent protein binding. Such binding is influenced by PAR chain length through mechanism yet to be elucidated. Structural insights have been elusive, partly due the difficulties associated with synthesizing chains defined lengths. Here, we employ an integrated approach combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments, enabling us identify highly...