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Related Concept Videos

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...
Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches01:23

Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches

Riboswitches are RNA elements that regulate gene expression by altering their secondary structures in response to specific effector molecules. These elements, located in the leader regions of certain mRNAs, act as transcriptional regulators by toggling between alternative conformations to control downstream gene expression. Riboswitch-mediated regulation is a precise mechanism for modulating biosynthetic pathways, as exemplified by the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway in Bacillus...
Translational Regulation01:29

Translational Regulation

Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...
Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...

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Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers
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Published on: August 20, 2014

Tuning riboswitch regulation through conformational selection.

Ross C Wilson1, Angela M Smith, Ryan T Fuchs

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Journal of Molecular Biology
|November 16, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The S(MK) box riboswitch, a compact RNA regulatory element, uniquely binds S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and regulates gene expression. Its distinct conformations in ligand-bound and ligand-free states were characterized, revealing functional and thermodynamic consequences.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Riboswitches are RNA molecules that control gene expression.
  • S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-responsive riboswitches are a key class regulating essential metabolic pathways.
  • The S(MK) box riboswitch is one of three known SAM-responsive classes, regulating translation initiation in bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the atomic-level structure of the S(MK) box riboswitch in both ligand-bound and ligand-free states.
  • To elucidate the distinct RNA conformations and their role in gene regulation.
  • To understand the thermodynamic and functional consequences of the riboswitch's conformational equilibrium.

Main Methods:

  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for atomic-level structural determination.
  • Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) for thermodynamic analysis.
  • In vivo reporter assays to assess functional consequences.

Main Results:

  • Distinct, mutually exclusive RNA conformations were identified for the S(MK) box riboswitch.
  • These conformations are differentially populated depending on the presence or absence of the effector metabolite (SAM).
  • The study revealed the thermodynamic underpinnings and functional impact of this conformational switch.

Conclusions:

  • The S(MK) box riboswitch exhibits a unique mechanism where ligand-binding and regulatory domains are coincident.
  • A comprehensive model of the structural, thermodynamic, and functional properties of this compact RNA regulatory element is presented.
  • This work provides insight into the dynamic regulation of gene expression by riboswitches.