title: Methods for analysis of ligand-induced RNA conformational changes.
abstract: Encoded within many RNA sequences is the requisite information for folding of intricate three-dimensional structures. Moreover, many noncoding RNAs can adopt structurally distinct and functionally specialized conformations in response to specific cellular signals. These conformational transitions are often times accompanied by changes in hydrodynamic radii. Therefore, experimental methods that measure changes in hydrodynamic radius can be employed for study of signal-induced RNA conformational changes. Several hydrodynamic methods, including analytical ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and nondenaturing gel electrophoresis, are briefly discussed herein.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry, Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA.
authors.forename: Chad A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Brautigam
authors.forename: Catherine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Wakeman
authors.forename: Wade C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Winkler
mesh_terms: D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D008024:Ligands; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods*; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014461:Ultracentrifugation
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D012313:RNA