Universal cold RNA phase transitions.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 121(34): e2408313121, 2024 Aug 20.
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| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39150781
ABSTRACT
RNA's diversity of structures and functions impacts all life forms since primordia. We use calorimetric force spectroscopy to investigate RNA folding landscapes in previously unexplored low-temperature conditions. We find that Watson-Crick RNA hairpins, the most basic secondary structure elements, undergo a glass-like transition below [Formula see text]C where the heat capacity abruptly changes and the RNA folds into a diversity of misfolded structures. We hypothesize that an altered RNA biochemistry, determined by sequence-independent ribose-water interactions, outweighs sequence-dependent base pairing. The ubiquitous ribose-water interactions lead to universal RNA phase transitions below TG, such as maximum stability at [Formula see text]C where water density is maximum, and cold denaturation at [Formula see text]C. RNA cold biochemistry may have a profound impact on RNA function and evolution.
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ARN
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Transición de Fase
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Conformación de Ácido Nucleico
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2024
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Article