Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

5.6K
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...
5.6K
Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

Nucleic Acid Structure

7.6K
The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms  a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA...
7.6K
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

34.2K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
34.2K
Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

13.7K
Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
13.7K
Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

178.8K
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,...
178.8K
Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

46.9K
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,...
46.9K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Dynamic and Catalytic Multiphase Coacervates.

Biomacromolecules·2026
Same authorSame journal

Optimized tRNA structure-seq reveals robust tRNA secondary structures in <i>S. cerevisiae</i> under mild stress conditions.

RNA (New York, N.Y.)·2026
Same author

Nearest Neighbor Parameters for Estimating the Folding Stability of RNA Including Pseudouridine.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026
Same author

Increasing the Compositional Heterogeneity of Single-Chain Amphiphile Membranes Supported by Coacervate Cores Alters Stability and Properties of the Hybrid Protocells.

Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids·2026
Same author

Residue-level mapping of crowding effects on protein phase separation.

Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society·2026
Same author

Optimized tRNA structure-seq reveals robust tRNA secondary structures in <i>S. cerevisiae</i> under mild stress conditions.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells
10:34

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells

Published on: December 9, 2022

4.6K

RNA sequence and structure control assembly and function of RNA condensates.

Raghav R Poudyal1,2, Jacob P Sieg1,2, Bede Portz3

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.

RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|September 23, 2021
PubMed
Summary

RNA self-assembly drives the formation of intracellular condensates. This study reveals how molecular crowding, metal ions, and RNA structure influence RNA condensate formation, offering insights into gene expression regulation.

Keywords:
RNA structurecondensateriboswitch

More Related Videos

Mapping RNA-RNA Interactions Globally Using Biotinylated Psoralen
11:32

Mapping RNA-RNA Interactions Globally Using Biotinylated Psoralen

Published on: May 24, 2017

12.3K
Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures
08:02

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Published on: May 31, 2024

983

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells
10:34

Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells

Published on: December 9, 2022

4.6K
Mapping RNA-RNA Interactions Globally Using Biotinylated Psoralen
11:32

Mapping RNA-RNA Interactions Globally Using Biotinylated Psoralen

Published on: May 24, 2017

12.3K
Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures
08:02

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Published on: May 31, 2024

983

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Intracellular condensates form via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), primarily involving proteins and RNA.
  • Recent research highlights RNA's significant role in condensate formation, yet its specific contributions are understudied.
  • Existing LLPS research predominantly focuses on protein biochemistry, leaving RNA's role largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of molecular crowding, metal ions, and RNA structure on protein-free RNA condensate formation.
  • To explore the potential biological functions of RNA condensates, including gene expression regulation and protection from degradation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized bacterial riboswitches as a model system to study RNA-only condensates.
  • Employed molecular crowding agents (e.g., polyethylene glycol 8K) and varying Mg2+ concentrations.
  • Combined computational analysis with wet-bench experiments to identify key RNA structural and sequence elements.
  • Performed structure-guided design to engineer novel RNA condensate functions.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that molecular crowding promotes RNA LLPS, forming RNA droplets.
  • Showed that elevated Mg2+ concentrations can induce LLPS in specific riboswitches independently of crowding.
  • Identified critical RNA structural and sequence features that facilitate protein-free condensate formation.
  • Successfully engineered RNA condensates with new functions, such as ligand binding.
  • Confirmed that RNA condensates protect RNA components from nuclease degradation.

Conclusions:

  • RNA self-assembly is a key driver of intracellular condensate formation.
  • Environmental factors (crowding, metal ions) and intrinsic RNA properties significantly regulate RNA condensate formation.
  • RNA condensates may play a biological role in controlling gene expression by modulating RNA stability.
  • This study provides mechanistic insights into RNA-driven LLPS and its potential regulatory functions.