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Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. 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): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
Protein Complex Assembly02:41

Protein Complex Assembly

Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types.  Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. 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): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA-seq03:21

RNA-seq

RNA sequencing, or RNA-Seq, is a high-throughput sequencing technology used to study the transcriptome of a cell. Transcriptomics helps to interpret the functional elements of a genome and identify the molecular constituents of an organism. Additionally, it also helps in understanding the development of an organism and the occurrence of diseases. 
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while microarray-based...
RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

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...
Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

Nucleic Acid Structure

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 has a double-helix structure. The...

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Combining QD-FRET and Microfluidics to Monitor DNA Nanocomplex Self-Assembly in Real-Time
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Simulation Insights into the Assembly of Polyplexes for RNA Delivery.

Jonas Hans Lehnen1, Jorge Moreno Herrero2, Heinrich Haas2

  • 1Department of Physics, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 9, 55128 Mainz, Germany.

Biomacromolecules
|November 19, 2025
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Summary

Researchers explored polyplexes as an alternative to lipid-based nanoparticles for RNA delivery. Controlling the charge ratio and concentration during assembly allows precise tuning of polyplex size for effective RNA encapsulation.

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling

Background:

  • RNA-based therapeutics show promise, building on COVID-19 vaccine success, with ongoing clinical trials for diverse indications.
  • Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) are current delivery systems, but limitations necessitate exploring alternative nanocarriers for broader efficacy and safety.
  • Polyplexes, formed from cationic polymers and anionic nucleic acids, offer a potential alternative, especially with controlled RNA encapsulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors governing the size and shape of polyplexes for precise RNA encapsulation.
  • To explore polyplexes as a viable alternative delivery system for RNA-based pharmaceuticals.
  • To establish design principles for optimizing polyplex formation through computational modeling.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized molecular dynamics simulations with a coarse-grained polyplex model.
  • Analyzed the impact of charge ratio between polyelectrolytes and RNA on polyplex assembly.
  • Investigated the role of polyelectrolyte and RNA concentration during the self-assembly process.

Main Results:

  • Polyplex size is significantly influenced by the charge ratio and concentration during assembly.
  • Large polyplexes form near the isoelectric point.
  • A large excess of cationic polymer leads to smaller polyplexes, enabling single RNA molecule encapsulation.

Conclusions:

  • Charge ratio and concentration are critical parameters for controlling polyplex structure and RNA loading.
  • Polyplexes can be engineered for precise RNA delivery, offering a promising alternative to LNPs.
  • Simulation findings align with experimental observations for polyethylenimine-based polyplexes, validating the model.