To achieve their diverse range of biological functions, RNA molecules must fold into specific tertiary structures that create catalytic centers or ligand recognition sites. Despite the recent emergence of a wealth of information on the three-dimensional structures of RNA molecules and RNA-protein complexes, culminating in structures of ribosomal particles, the mechanisms by which RNA adopts these structures are poorly understood. The broad, long-term objective of this proposal is to understand the mechanism of RNA folding. Fundamental features of RNA folding include conformational search, metal ion binding and productive intermediates. Additionally, most large RNA molecules require protein cofactors in order to fold correctly and efficiently. Hence, we will continue to analyze tertiary structure formation in the hairpin ribozyme, an autonomously folding RNA, and we will also undertake new studies of the folding of the 7SL RNA from the mammalian signal recognition particle (SRP), which folds in the presence of multiple protein chaperones. By studying both systems, we hope to learn about the general principles of RNA folding. Moreover, the results will facilitate the design of improved ribozymes for therapeutic applications in gene therapy and, eventually, may lead to new cancer therapies based on arrest of protein synthesis by the SRP machinery.
The specific aims are: (1) Elucidate the role of loop rearrangements and dynamic loop structure in tertiary structure formation in the hairpin ribozyme. (2) Test the proposed conformational search model for tertiary structure formation in the hairpin ribozyme and identify determinants of the search. (3) Monitor RNA folding transitions during assembly of the Alu domain of the signal recognition particle. (4) Elucidate the mechanism of the initial assembly of the S-domain of the signal recognition particle and characterize associated RNA folding transitions. To address these goals, we will apply a range of ensemble and single-molecule fluorescence methods to dissect the RNA folding pathways and to monitor dynamic conformational transitions during folding. Additionally, the experimental methods developed during this project will provide new tools for studying the conformational dynamics and folding of RNA and will be broadly applicable.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM058873-08
Application #
7410174
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Study Section (BBCA)
Program Officer
Preusch, Peter C
Project Start
2000-04-01
Project End
2010-04-30
Budget Start
2008-05-01
Budget End
2010-04-30
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$276,708
Indirect Cost
Name
Scripps Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
781613492
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
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Pljevaljcic, Goran; Millar, David P (2008) Single-molecule fluorescence methods for the analysis of RNA folding and ribonucleoprotein assembly. Methods Enzymol 450:233-52
Pljevaljcic, Goran; Klostermeier, Dagmar; Millar, David P (2005) The tertiary structure of the hairpin ribozyme is formed through a slow conformational search. Biochemistry 44:4870-6
Pljevaljcic, Goran; Millar, David P; Deniz, Ashok A (2004) Freely diffusing single hairpin ribozymes provide insights into the role of secondary structure and partially folded states in RNA folding. Biophys J 87:457-67
Klostermeier, Dagmar; Millar, David P (2002) Energetics of hydrogen bond networks in RNA: hydrogen bonds surrounding G+1 and U42 are the major determinants for the tertiary structure stability of the hairpin ribozyme. Biochemistry 41:14095-102
Ryder, S P; Oyelere, A K; Padilla, J L et al. (2001) Investigation of adenosine base ionization in the hairpin ribozyme by nucleotide analog interference mapping. RNA 7:1454-63
Klostermeier, D; Millar, D P (2001) RNA conformation and folding studied with fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Methods 23:240-54
Klostermeier, D; Millar, D P (2001) Time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer: a versatile tool for the analysis of nucleic acids. Biopolymers 61:159-79
Klostermeier, D; Millar, D P (2001) Tertiary structure stability of the hairpin ribozyme in its natural and minimal forms: different energetic contributions from a ribose zipper motif. Biochemistry 40:11211-8
Klostermeier, D; Millar, D P (2000) Helical junctions as determinants for RNA folding: origin of tertiary structure stability of the hairpin ribozyme. Biochemistry 39:12970-8