title: Investigation of de novo totally random biosequences, Part IV: Folding Properties of de novo, totally random RNAs.
abstract: This work lies within the framework of a broader project aimed at exploring the realm of all possible folded polypeptides; the main question addressed here is whether the corresponding RNAs also assume a folded conformation. We present an investigation on the structural properties of de novo, totally random RNAs by means of the 'RNA Foster' assay. Experimental results show that all RNAs studied are folded at 37 degrees , so that fold seems to be a common feature of RNAs. Random RNAs' fold shows a surprising thermal stability with an average T(m) value at ca. 50 degrees which prompts the idea that thermo-stable structures might not be as rare as they are commonly thought to be. The results are discussed within the general framework of random RNA properties such as those that might have been produced in a prebiotic scenario.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Roma TRE, Viale G. Marconi 446, IT-00146 Rome.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Lucrezia
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Franchi
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chiarabelli
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gallori
authors.forename: Pier Luigi
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Luisi
mesh_terms: D001482:Base Composition / Q000235:genetics; D001483:Base Sequence; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D009691:Nucleic Acid Denaturation; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D012313:RNA