Characterizing RNA dynamics at atomic resolution using solution-state NMR spectroscopy
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Updated: May 28, 2026

Practical Aspects of Sample Preparation and Setup of 1H R1ρ Relaxation Dispersion Experiments of RNA
Published on: July 9, 2021
Jameson R Bothe1, Evgenia N Nikolova, Catherine D Eichhorn
1Department of Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Abstract:
Many recently discovered noncoding RNAs do not fold into a single native conformation but sample many different conformations along their free-energy landscape to carry out their biological function. Here we review solution-state NMR techniques that measure the structural, kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of RNA motions spanning picosecond to second timescales at atomic resolution, allowing unprecedented insights into the RNA dynamic structure landscape. From these studies a basic description of the RNA dynamic structure landscape is emerging, bringing new insights into how RNA structures change to carry out their function as well as applications in RNA-targeted drug discovery and RNA bioengineering.
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