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A Structural Potential of Rare Trinucleotide Repeat Tracts in RNA
Dorota Magner1, Rafal Nowak1, Elzbieta Lenartowicz Onyekaa1
1Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 28, 2022
Summary
This study investigates rare trinucleotide RNA repeats, finding they can form structures like double helices and quadruplexes. These structures influence RNA folding and function, impacting gene expression and stability.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biophysics
Background:
- Trinucleotide repeats are common in the human genome but vary in frequency.
- Rare trinucleotide repeats are less understood regarding their structural properties and biological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the folding and thermodynamic stability of 23 types of short, tandem RNA repeats, with a focus on rare types.
- To investigate the impact of ions and PEG on RNA repeat stability.
- To explore intramolecular interactions between coexisting repeat types in specific human RNAs.
Main Methods:
- UV-melting experiments to assess thermodynamic stability.
- In vitro secondary structure probing.
- Transcriptome analysis to identify RNAs with coexisting repeat types.
Main Results:
- Rare repeats are often single-stranded but can interact with complementary tracts.
- The UAA and UUG repeats in GABRA4 3' UTR form a double helix.
- AGG and CGU repeats in CHIC1 RNA form quadruplexes, inhibiting reverse transcription.
Conclusions:
- Coexisting complementary RNA repeats can interact within secondary structures.
- Specific rare trinucleotide repeat structures have functional implications, such as blocking reverse transcription.
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