Construction of RNA nanocages by re-engineering the packaging RNA of Phi29 bacteriophage.
RNA nanotechnology promises rational design of RNA nanostructures with wide array of structural diversities and functionalities. Such nanostructures could be used in applications such as small interfering RNA delivery and organization of in vivo chemical reactions. Though having impressive development in recent years, RNA nanotechnology is still quite limited and its programmability and complexity could not rival the degree of its closely related cousin: DNA nanotechnology. Novel strategies are needed for programmed RNA self-assembly. Here, we have assembled RNA nanocages by re-engineering a natural, biological RNA motif: the packaging RNA of phi29 bacteriophage. The resulting RNA nanostructures have been thoroughly characterized by gel electrophoresis, cryogenic electron microscopy imaging and dynamic light scattering.
1] Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA [2].
Chenhui
C
Hao
1] Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA [2].
Xiang
X
Li
1] Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA [2].
Cheng
C
Tian
Markey Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
Wen
W
Jiang
The Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing 400037, China.
Guansong
G
Wang
Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
Chengde
C
Mao
D017103:Bacillus Phages / Q000235:genetics*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D059372:Nucleotide Motifs; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000737:chemistry*; D019065:Virus Assembly / Q000235:genetics*
D012367:RNA, Viral