Probing RNA conformational dynamics and heterogeneity using femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.
RNA structures are very dynamic and the dynamic motions result in a heterogeneous conformational ensemble. It is crucial to illustrate the role of conformational dynamics in RNA function. A variety of spectroscopic methods have been used to investigate the dynamic aspects of RNA structures. Recently, ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy, a well-established technique, has been introduced as a new tool in this field. With femtosecond time-resolution, one can resolve the heterogeneous nature of RNA conformational ensemble quantitatively, detect and characterize minor unusual conformations, and capture folding events that may occur on a fast timescale. Here, we review the technical aspects of using an ultrafast fluorescence up-conversion technique to probe the heterogeneous base stacking patterns in RNA motifs and dynamic base motions that allow sampling of multiple states.
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75083-0688, USA.
Liang
L
Zhao
Tianbing
T
Xia
D015075:2-Aminopurine / Q000737:chemistry; D000225:Adenine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D016880:Anisotropy; D004867:Equipment Design; D006147:Guanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
D012367:RNA, Viral; C043837:7-deazaadenine; D015075:2-Aminopurine; D006147:Guanine; D012313:RNA; C066856:7-deazaguanine; D000225:Adenine