Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Practical Aspects of Sample Preparation and Setup of 1H R1ρ Relaxation Dispersion Experiments of RNA
Published on: July 9, 2021
Characterizing the relative orientation and dynamics of RNA A-form helices using NMR residual dipolar couplings
Maximillian H Bailor1, Catherine Musselman, Alexandar L Hansen
1Department of Chemistry & Biophysics Research Division, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
Abstract:
We present a protocol for determining the relative orientation and dynamics of A-form helices in 13C/15N isotopically enriched RNA samples using NMR residual dipolar couplings (RDCs). Non-terminal Watson-Crick base pairs in helical stems are experimentally identified using NOE and trans-hydrogen bond connectivity and modeled using the idealized A-form helix geometry. RDCs measured in the partially aligned RNA are used to compute order tensors describing average alignment of each helix relative to the applied magnetic field. The order tensors are translated into Euler angles defining the average relative orientation of helices and order parameters describing the amplitude and asymmetry of interhelix motions. The protocol does not require complete resonance assignments and therefore can be implemented rapidly to RNAs much larger than those for which complete high-resolution NMR structure determination is feasible. The protocol is particularly valuable for exploring adaptive changes in RNA conformation that occur in response to biologically relevant signals. Following resonance assignments, the procedure is expected to take no more than 2 weeks of acquisition and data analysis time.
More Related Videos
09:25NMR 15N Relaxation Experiments for the Investigation of Picosecond to Nanoseconds Structural Dynamics of Proteins
Published on: November 1, 2024
10:52Line Shape Analysis of Dynamic NMR Spectra for Characterizing Coordination Sphere Rearrangements at a Chiral Rhenium Polyhydride Complex
Published on: July 27, 2022
Related Concept Videos
¹H NMR of Conformationally Flexible Molecules: Temporal Resolution
¹H NMR: Long-Range Coupling
In alkenes, spin information is communicated via σ–π overlap, as seen in allylic (four-bond) and homoallylic (five-bond) couplings. These coupling interactions are stronger when the σ bond is parallel to the alkene π orbitals.
¹H NMR of Conformationally Flexible Molecules: Variable-Temperature NMR
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must have a...
NMR Spectroscopy: Spin–Spin Coupling
¹H NMR: Interpreting Distorted and Overlapping Signals
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...