Pulling genetic RNA out of tobacco mosaic virus using single-molecule force spectroscopy.
RNA-coat protein interactions in intact tobacco mosaic virus have been investigated for the first time directly on the single-molecule level by pulling the genetic RNA step by step out of the helical groove formed by its protein coat. The effects of pulling speed and pH on RNA-protein interactions are presented. In addition, the rebinding behavior of the detached RNA with the protein coat is discussed. Our results demonstrate the possibility of studying nucleic acid-protein interactions in more complicated systems using AFM-based single-molecule force spectroscopy.
Liu
Ningning
N
State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, PR China.
Peng
Bo
B
Lin
Yuan
Y
Su
Zhaohui
Z
Niu
Zhongwei
Z
Wang
Qian
Q
Zhang
Wenke
W
Li
Hongbin
H
Shen
Jiacong
J
D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014027:Tobacco Mosaic Virus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D012367:RNA, Viral; D014764:Viral Proteins