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Peptide-templated nucleic acid ligation.

Matthew Levy1, Andrew D Ellington

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, USA.

Journal of Molecular Evolution
|April 17, 2003
PubMed
Summary
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This study shows that peptides can template nucleic acid ligation, suggesting early life may have involved interdependent peptide and nucleic acid replicators. This supports a potential transition from peptide to RNA-based replication systems.

Area of Science:

  • Origin of life studies
  • Molecular evolution
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Short oligonucleotide and peptide replicators are known.
  • The potential for cross-replication between these systems is unexplored.
  • Understanding early replication mechanisms is key to origin of life research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if peptides can specifically template the ligation of nucleic acids.
  • To model cross-replication between peptide and nucleic acid systems.
  • To explore kinetic possibilities for early replicator systems.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a model system comprising an anti-Rev RNA aptamer and an arginine-rich motif (ARM) peptide from HIV-1 Rev protein.
  • Activated aptamer half-molecules for ligation using two distinct chemistries: cyanogen bromide and stable activation (5'-iodine and 3'-phosphorothioate termini).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Quantified the enhancement in ligation degree and rate by the Rev ARM peptide.

    • Main Results:

    • The Rev ARM peptide specifically enhanced the degree or rate of nucleic acid ligation.
    • A 10-fold increase in full-length aptamer production was observed with cyanogen bromide activation.
    • A 5.9- to 7.6-fold enhancement in ligation rate was observed for stably activated aptamer half-molecules.

    Conclusions:

    • Peptide templating of nucleic acid ligation is feasible.
    • These findings support the hypothesis of interdependent peptide and nucleic acid replicators in early life.
    • Suggests a possible transition from peptide-based to nucleic acid-based replication systems or co-evolution.