Structure and Function Studies on RNA Splicing Endonuclease

RNA是一种将遗传信息从DNA传递到细胞其他部分的分子。RNA是DNA的副本，但与典型的DNA双螺旋结构不同，每个基因的RNA副本形成独特的三维形状，强烈影响其行为，包括它如何与蛋白质相互作用。本项目利用x射线晶体学等生化工具，了解由凸起-螺旋-凸起RNA和蛋白质组成的复合物的三维结构。凸起-螺旋-凸起的RNA结构与一种称为剪接内切酶的蛋白质酶特异性结合，导致RNA两个特定位置的化学键断裂。这个细胞过程是使RNA分子成熟的必要步骤，就像电影剪辑的方式一样。目的是描述RNA与多种形式的剪接内切酶和随后的内切酶催化的RNA切割反应相关联的化学原理。本研究结果将拓宽细胞基本过程的知识基础，加强生物化学和分子生物学的课堂教学。这个项目也将为高中生和本科生提供充足的研究机会。

RNA is the molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the rest of the cell. RNA is a copy of DNA, but unlike the typical DNA double helix, the RNA copy of each gene forms a unique three-dimensional shape that strongly influences its behavior, including how it interacts with proteins. This project uses x-ray crystallography and other biochemical tools to learn the three-dimensional structure of complexes comprised of bulge-helix-bulge RNA and protein. The bulge-helix-bulge RNA structure specifically binds to a protein enzyme called the splicing endonuclease, leading to breakage of chemical bonds at two specific locations of the RNA. This cellular process is an obligatory step required to maturate RNA molecules, much like the way movie films are edited. The goal is to delineate the chemical principles involved in the association of RNA with multiple forms of the splicing endonuclease and the subsequent endonuclease-catalyzed RNA cleavage reaction. Results obtained from this research will broaden the knowledge base of essential cellular processes and enhance classroom teaching of both biochemistry and molecular biology. This project will also provide ample research opportunities for high school and undergraduate students.