Studies of the Structure of RNA and its Binding Proteins

生物系统中遗传转移的完整性 取决于氨基酸的保真度， 转移到特定的转移RNA（tRNA）分子上， 随后参与蛋白质合成。 这种耦合 是通过一个大的异质类， 氨酰tRNA合成酶。 二十 不同的氨基酸都有自己的tRNA亚家族 分子和它们自己的合成酶。 即使 我们已经知道了很多关于 对于tRNA，仍然存在不确定性， tRNA分子联合收割机以如此高的特异性 与其相应的合成酶。* 这个项目的目标是研究三维的 各种构象的RNA分子的结构， 单独或与蛋白质复合。 x射线衍射分析 晶体是目前使用的主要技术。 里奇博士会 审查其执行的方式， RNA的核苷酸序列在控制其 三维构象 他还计划调查 蛋白质和RNA之间相互作用的本质 分子 *

The integrity of genetic transfer in biological systems depends upon the fidelity with which amino acids are transferred onto specific transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules which are subsequently engaged in protein synthesis. This coupling is carried out by means of a large heterogenous class of proteins called aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. The twenty different amino acids each have their own subfamily of tRNA molecules and their own synthetases as well. Even though a great deal is known about the three-dimensional structure of tRNA, there is still uncertainly concerning the manner in which the tRNA molecules combine with such great specificity with their corresponding synthetases.*** The goal of this project is to study the three-dimensional structure of RNA molecules in various conformations, either alone or complexed to proteins. X-ray diffraction analysis of crystals is the major technique being used. Dr. Rich will undertake an examination of the manner in which the nucleotide sequence of RNA plays a role in governing its three-dimensional conformation. He also plans to investigate the nature of the interactions between proteins and RNA molecules.***