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Related Concept Videos

Ribozymes02:47

Ribozymes

The term ribozyme is used for RNA that can act as an enzyme. Ribozymes are mainly found in selected viruses, bacteria, plant organelles, and lower eukaryotes. Ribozymes were first discovered in 1982 when Tom Cech’s laboratory observed Group I introns acting as enzymes. This was shortly followed by the discovery of another ribozyme, Ribonulcease P, by Sid Altman’s laboratory. Both Cech and Altman received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1989 for their work on ribozymes.
Ribozymes can be...
Ribozymes02:47

Ribozymes

The term ribozyme is used for RNA that can act as an enzyme. Ribozymes are mainly found in selected viruses, bacteria, plant organelles, and lower eukaryotes. Ribozymes were first discovered in 1982 when Tom Cech’s laboratory observed Group I introns acting as enzymes. This was shortly followed by the discovery of another ribozyme, Ribonulcease P, by Sid Altman’s laboratory. Both Cech and Altman received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1989 for their work on ribozymes.
Ribozymes can be...
Riboswitches01:56

Riboswitches

Riboswitches are non-coding mRNA domains that regulate the transcription and translation of downstream genes without the help of proteins. Riboswitches bind directly to a metabolite and can form unique stem-loop or hairpin structures in response to the amount of the metabolite present. They have two distinct regions – a metabolite-binding aptamer and an expression platform.
The aptamer has high specificity for a particular metabolite which allows riboswitches to specifically regulate...
Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

The basic structure of RNA consists of a string of ribonucleotides attached by phosphodiester bonds. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Aptamer-Based Target Detection Facilitated by a 3-Stage G-Quadruplex Isothermal Exponential Amplification Reaction
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A tale in molecular recognition: the hammerhead ribozyme.

Eric Westhof1

  • 1Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, Strasbourg, France. E.Westhof@ibmc.u-strasbg.fr

Journal of Molecular Recognition : JMR
|November 8, 2006
PubMed
Summary

A new crystal structure reveals how peripheral contacts affect the hammerhead ribozyme active site. This finding resolves conflicting results from previous studies on this important catalytic RNA molecule.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • The hammerhead ribozyme is a small catalytic RNA molecule known for its self-cleaving activity.
  • Understanding its structure-function relationship is crucial for various biological processes and therapeutic applications.
  • Previous studies on simplified ribozyme systems yielded conflicting results regarding active site conformation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of peripheral tertiary contacts in shaping the active site conformation of the hammerhead ribozyme.
  • To provide a high-resolution structural basis for understanding ribozyme catalysis.
  • To resolve discrepancies observed in studies using truncated ribozyme variants.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the three-dimensional structure of the hammerhead ribozyme.
  • The crystal structure was analyzed to identify key tertiary interactions and their impact on active site geometry.
  • Comparative analysis was performed with existing data from reduced ribozyme systems.

Main Results:

  • The determined crystal structure reveals specific peripheral tertiary contacts that stabilize the active site.
  • These contacts directly influence the local conformations of nucleotides crucial for catalysis.
  • The high-resolution structure explains previously observed conflicting data by highlighting the importance of these interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral tertiary contacts are essential for maintaining the catalytically active conformation of the hammerhead ribozyme.
  • The new structure provides a comprehensive model for hammerhead ribozyme function.
  • This work clarifies the structural basis of ribozyme activity and has implications for RNA-based therapeutics.