title: Mg2+-independent hairpin ribozyme catalysis in hydrated RNA films.
abstract: The hairpin ribozyme catalyzes RNA cleavage in partially hydrated RNA films in the absence of added divalent cations. This reaction exhibits the characteristics associated with the RNA cleavage reaction observed under standard conditions in solution. Catalysis is a site-specific intramolecular transesterification reaction, requires the 2'-hydroxyl group of substrate nucleotide A(-1), and generates 2',3'-cyclic phosphate and 5'-hydroxyl termini. Mutations in both ribozyme and substrate abolish catalysis in hydrated films. The reaction is accelerated by cations that may enhance binding, conformational stability, and catalytic activity, and is inhibited by Tb3+. The reaction has an apparent temperature optimum of 4 degrees C. At this temperature, cleavage is slow (k(obs): 2 d(-1)) and progressive, with accumulation of cleavage products to an extent of 40%. The use of synthetic RNAs, chelators, and analysis of all reaction components by inductively coupled plasma-optical spectrophotometry (ICPOES) effectively rules out the possibility of contaminating divalent metals in the reactions. Catalysis is minimal under conditions of extreme dehydration, indicating that the reaction requires hydration of RNA by atmospheric water. Our results provide a further caution for those studying the biochemical activity of ribozymes in vitro and in cells, as unanticipated catalysis could occur during RNA manipulation and lead to misinterpretation of data.
authors.affiliation: Markey Center for Molecular Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Vermont, Burlington 05405, USA.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Seyhan
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D002384:Catalysis; D002412:Cations / Q000494:pharmacology; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D008274:Magnesium / Q000494:pharmacology; D009154:Mutation; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016337:RNA, Catalytic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D013725:Terbium / Q000494:pharmacology; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D002412:Cations; D016337:RNA, Catalytic; D014867:Water; D013725:Terbium; D012313:RNA; D004492:Edetic Acid; D008274:Magnesium