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An RNA topoisomerase

H Wang1, R J Di Gate, N C Seeman

  • 1Department of Chemistry, New York University, NY 10003, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|September 3, 1996
PubMed
Summary
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Researchers created a synthetic RNA molecule that can form a circle or a trefoil knot. Escherichia coli DNA topoisomerase III was found to interconvert these RNA structures, acting as an RNA topoisomerase.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Topological states in nucleic acids are crucial for their function and processing.
  • Enzymatic manipulation of RNA topology is not well understood.
  • Developing systems to probe RNA topology and enzymatic activity is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design a synthetic RNA molecule capable of existing in distinct topological states (circle and trefoil knot).
  • To investigate the enzymatic activity required for interconverting these RNA topological states.
  • To identify enzymes that can catalyze RNA strand passage events.

Main Methods:

  • Design and synthesis of a cyclic RNA molecule with potential for knot formation.
  • Characterization of RNA topological states using gel electrophoresis and sedimentation assays.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assaying for enzymatic activity by monitoring the interconversion between circular and knotted RNA forms.

    • Main Results:

    • A synthetic RNA molecule was successfully designed to adopt circular and trefoil knot topological states.
    • Escherichia coli DNA topoisomerase III catalyzed the interconversion between the RNA circle and trefoil knot.
    • RNA catenane generation was observed as a minor product during the circle-to-knot conversion.
    • This demonstrates that DNA topoisomerase III can function as an RNA topoisomerase.

    Conclusions:

    • The designed RNA system provides a novel platform for studying RNA topology and topoisomerase activity.
    • Escherichia coli DNA topoisomerase III possesses RNA topoisomerase activity, capable of catalyzing strand passage.
    • Strand passage is a relevant mechanism to consider in the context of RNA folding and structural modification.