An article published in the journal “Molecular Cell” reports the reconstruction of the folding of an RNA fragment, with the consequent creation of videos of the process. A team of researchers led by Julius Lucks of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, USA, applied a method that was called Reconstructing RNA Dynamics from Data (R2D2) to obtain details of RNA movements. Specifically, the folding of the sequence called signal recognition particle (SRP) of a bacterium of the Escherichia coli family was reconstructed. Understanding how RNA work is crucial for improving biological and medical knowledge.
RNA is essential for life on Earth because it’s involved in various biological processes of coding, decoding, regulating and expressing genes, which are composed of DNA instead. For this reason, studying RNA processes is indispensable for understanding life forms. This type of research is also useful on a medical level, also thinking about retroviruses made of RNA such as coronaviruses.
Professor Julius Lucks is a genetic research specialist who participated in various RNA-related studies. He recently participated in research on a quick test for Covid-19 precisely because the SARS-CoV-2 virus is made of RNA. Lucks explained that RNA folding is a dynamic process that is fundamental for life, and in this study he and his colleagues were able to faithfully reconstruct this process in an RNA sequence.
In the past, other researchers managed to create videos of RNA folding, but the computer models of this process were still approximate and based on assumptions. Julius Lucks and his colleagues created a method they called Reconstructing RNA Dynamics from Data (R2D2) to faithfully reproduce this process that occurs continuously throughout the various biological processes in which RNA is involved. This method captures data regarding RNA folding as it’s being generated. This data is recorded, allowing to see where the RNA folds and what happens next.
The data of the RNA folding process added to a computer model made it possible to create a movie that reproduces it. The signal recognition particle used in this study is an RNA sequence found in all branches of Earth life forms, so it’s well known, but it’s the first time that the details of its folding have been seen.
This type of study is complex and the researchers stated that the R2D2 method has some limitations. In the next phase they will try to improve it to take another step forward in understanding the mechanisms of how RNA works.
A video that reproduces the folding of the RNA signal recognition particle.
