Advances in solid-state NMR methods for studying RNA structures and dynamics

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Ribonucleic acid (RNA) structure and dynamics are vital for understanding biological functions and designing RNA-targeting drugs.
• Conventional methods like X-ray crystallography and solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) face challenges with RNA flexibility and degradation.
• Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) has emerged as a powerful alternative for RNA structure and dynamics characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of recent progress in 1H-detected SSNMR for RNA structure and dynamics.
• To discuss established 1H-detected SSNMR methods and sample preparation protocols.
• To highlight the implementation of rapid data acquisition approaches in RNA SSNMR.

Main Methods:

• Focus on 1H-detected solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SSNMR) techniques.
• Detailed discussion of sample preparation protocols for RNA.
• Exploration of rapid data acquisition strategies for enhanced efficiency.

Main Results:

• 1H-detected SSNMR methods have advanced the elucidation of RNA topology and base pair dynamics in the solid state.
• Applications include determining RNA structures in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genome and riboswitch RNAs.
• SSNMR techniques demonstrate suitability for various RNA sizes and sample states.

Conclusions:

• Solid-state NMR is a valuable and versatile tool for RNA structure and dynamics research.
• Advancements in 1H-detected SSNMR have significantly expanded its utility in the RNA field.
• This review consolidates key methods and findings, paving the way for future RNA structural studies.