1
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Bessler L, Sirleaf J, Kampf CJ, Frankowska K, Leszczyńska G, Opatz T, Helm M. Esterification of Cyclic N 6-Threonylcarbamoyladenosine During RNA Sample Preparation. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400115. [PMID: 38630955 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The continuous deciphering of crucial biological roles of RNA modifications and their involvement in various pathological conditions, together with their key roles in the use of RNA-based therapeutics, has reignited interest in studying the occurrence and identity of non-canonical ribonucleoside structures during the past years. Discovery and structural elucidation of new modified structures is usually achieved by combination of liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) at the nucleoside level and stable isotope labeling experiments. This approach, however, has its pitfalls as demonstrated in the course of the present study: we structurally elucidated a new nucleoside structure that showed significant similarities to the family of (c)t6A modifications and was initially considered a genuine modification, but subsequently turned out to be an in vitro formed glycerol ester of t6A. This artifact is generated from ct6A during RNA hydrolysis upon addition of enzymes stored in glycerol containing buffers in a mildly alkaline milieu, and was moreover shown to undergo an intramolecular transesterification reaction. Our results demand for extra caution, not only in the discovery of new RNA modifications, but also with regard to the quantification of known modified structures, in particular chemically labile modifications, such as ct6A, that might suffer from exposure to putatively harmless reagents during the diverse steps of sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Bessler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jason Sirleaf
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christopher J Kampf
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Frankowska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924, Łódź, Poland
| | - Grażyna Leszczyńska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924, Łódź, Poland
| | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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2
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Bessler L, Groß J, Kampf CJ, Opatz T, Helm M. Reversible oxidative dimerization of 4-thiouridines in tRNA isolates. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:216-224. [PMID: 38456039 PMCID: PMC10915967 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00221g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of non-canonical nucleoside structures in RNA of biological or synthetic origin has encountered several recent boosts in attention, namely in the context of RNA modifications, and with an eye to RNA vaccines. New nucleoside structures introduce added functionality and function into biopolymers that are otherwise rather homogenous in their chemical structure. Here, we report the discovery of a presumed RNA modification that was identified by combination of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with stable isotope labelling as a dimer of the known RNA modification 4-thiouridine (s4U). The disulfide-linked structure, which had previously been synthetically introduced into RNA, was here formed spontaneously in isolates of E. coli tRNA. Judicious application of stable isotope labelling suggested that this presumed new RNA modification was rather generated ex vivo by oxidation with ambient oxygen. These findings do not only underscore the need for caution in the discovery of new RNA modifications with respect to artifacts, but also raise awareness of an RNA vulnerability, especially to oxidative damage, during its transport or storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Bessler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Jonathan Groß
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Christopher J Kampf
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
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3
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Delaunay S, Helm M, Frye M. RNA modifications in physiology and disease: towards clinical applications. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:104-122. [PMID: 37714958 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability of chemical modifications of single nucleotides to alter the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic surface and base pairing of RNA molecules is exploited for the clinical use of stable artificial RNAs such as mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules - to increase or decrease the expression of therapeutic proteins. Furthermore, naturally occurring biochemical modifications of nucleotides regulate RNA metabolism and function to modulate crucial cellular processes. Studies showing the mechanisms by which RNA modifications regulate basic cell functions in higher organisms have led to greater understanding of how aberrant RNA modification profiles can cause disease in humans. Together, these basic science discoveries have unravelled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, have provided new prospects for therapeutic manipulation and have led to a range of innovative clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Delaunay
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michaela Frye
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany.
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4
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Ammann G, Berg M, Dalwigk JF, Kaiser SM. Pitfalls in RNA Modification Quantification Using Nucleoside Mass Spectrometry. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3121-3131. [PMID: 37944919 PMCID: PMC10666278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusIn recent years, there has been a high interest in researching RNA modifications, as they are involved in many cellular processes and in human diseases. A substantial set of enzymes within the cell, called RNA writers, place RNA modifications selectively and site-specifically. Another set of enzymes, called readers, recognize these modifications which guide the fate of the modified RNA. Although RNA is a transient molecule and RNA modification could be removed by RNA degradation, a subclass of enzymes, called RNA erasers, remove RNA modifications selectively and site-specifically to alter the characteristics of the RNA. The detection of RNA modifications can be done by various methods including second and next generation sequencing but also mass spectrometry. An approach capable of both qualitative and quantitative RNA modification analysis is liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry of enzymatic hydrolysates of RNA into nucleosides. However, for successful detection and quantification, various factors must be considered to avoid biased identification and inaccurate quantification. In this Account, we identify three classes of errors that may distort the analysis. These classes comprise (I) errors related to chemical instabilities, (II) errors revolving around enzymatic hydrolysis to nucleosides, and (III) errors arising from issues with chromatographic separation and/or subsequent mass spectrometric analysis.A prominent example for class 1 is Dimroth rearrangement of m1A to m6A, but class 1 also comprises hydrolytic reactions and reactions with buffer components. Here, we also present the conversion of m3C to m3U under mild alkaline conditions and propose a practical solution to overcome these instabilities. Class 2 errors-such as contaminations in hydrolysis reagents or nuclease specificities-have led to erroneous discoveries of nucleosides in the past and possess the potential for misquantification of nucleosides. Impurities in the samples may also lead to class 3 errors: For instance, issues with chromatographic separation may arise from residual organic solvents, and salt adducts may hamper mass spectrometric quantification. This Account aims to highlight various errors connected to mass spectrometry analysis of nucleosides and presents solutions for how to overcome or circumnavigate those issues. Therefore, the authors anticipate that many scientists, but especially those who plan on doing nucleoside mass spectrometry, will benefit from the collection of data presented in this Account as a raised awareness, toward the variety of potential pitfalls, may further enhance the quality of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Ammann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maximilian Berg
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Dalwigk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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5
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Macias LA, Garcia SP, Back KM, Wu Y, Johnson GH, Kathiresan S, Bellinger AM, Rohde E, Freitas MA, Madsen JA. Spacer Fidelity Assessments of Guide RNA by Top-Down Mass Spectrometry. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1437-1452. [PMID: 37521788 PMCID: PMC10375574 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The advancement of CRISPR-based gene editing tools into biotherapeutics offers the potential for cures to genetic disorders and for new treatment paradigms for even common diseases. Arguably, the most important component of a CRISPR-based medicine is the guide RNA, which is generally large (>100-mer) synthetic RNA composed of a "tracr" and "spacer" region, the latter of which dictates the on-target editing site as well as potential undesired off-target edits. Aiming to advance contemporary capabilities for gRNA characterization to ensure the spacer region is of high fidelity, top-down mass spectrometry was herein implemented to provide direct and quantitative assessments of highly modified gRNA. In addition to sequencing the spacer region and pinpointing modifications, top-down mass spectra were utilized to quantify single-base spacer substitution impurities down to <1% and to decipher highly dissimilar spacers. To accomplish these results in an automated fashion, we devised custom software capable of sequencing and quantifying impurities in gRNA spacers. Notably, we developed automated tools that enabled the quantification of single-base substitutions, including advanced isotopic pattern matching for C > U and U > C substitutions, and created a de novo sequencing strategy to facilitate the identification and quantification of gRNA impurities with highly dissimilar spacer regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Macias
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Sara P. Garcia
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Kayla M. Back
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yue Wu
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - G. Hall Johnson
- MassMatrix,
Inc., 600 Teteridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214, United States
| | - Sekar Kathiresan
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Andrew M. Bellinger
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Ellen Rohde
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Michael A. Freitas
- MassMatrix,
Inc., 600 Teteridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214, United States
- The
Ohio State University, 281 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - James A. Madsen
- Verve
Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 601, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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6
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Arguello AE, Li A, Sun X, Eggert TW, Mairhofer E, Kleiner RE. Reactivity-dependent profiling of RNA 5-methylcytidine dioxygenases. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4176. [PMID: 35853884 PMCID: PMC9296451 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31876-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic RNA modifications can regulate fundamental biological processes, but we lack approaches to map modification sites and probe writer enzymes. Here we present a chemoproteomic strategy to characterize RNA 5-methylcytidine (m5C) dioxygenase enzymes in their native context based upon metabolic labeling and activity-based crosslinking with 5-ethynylcytidine (5-EC). We profile m5C dioxygenases in human cells including ALKBH1 and TET2 and show that ALKBH1 is the major hm5C- and f5C-forming enzyme in RNA. Further, we map ALKBH1 modification sites transcriptome-wide using 5-EC-iCLIP and ARP-based sequencing to identify ALKBH1-dependent m5C oxidation in a variety of tRNAs and mRNAs and analyze ALKBH1 substrate specificity in vitro. We also apply targeted pyridine borane-mediated sequencing to measure f5C sites on select tRNA. Finally, we show that f5C at the wobble position of tRNA-Leu-CAA plays a role in decoding Leu codons under stress. Our work provides powerful chemical approaches for studying RNA m5C dioxygenases and mapping oxidative m5C modifications and reveals the existence of novel epitranscriptomic pathways for regulating RNA function. Kleiner and co-workers profile RNA 5-methylcytidine (m5C) dioxygenase enzymes using an activity-based metabolic probing strategy. They reveal ALKBH1 as the major 5-formylcytidine (f5C) writer and characterize modification sites across mRNA and tRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Emilia Arguello
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Xuemeng Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Tanner W Eggert
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | | | - Ralph E Kleiner
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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7
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Petrov DP, Kaiser S, Kaiser S, Jung K. Opportunities and challenges to profile mRNA modifications in Escherichia coli. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200270. [PMID: 35822398 PMCID: PMC9542048 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
mRNA methylation is an important regulator of many physiological processes in eukaryotes but has not been studied in depth in prokaryotes. Working with bacterial mRNA is challenging because it lacks a poly(A)‐tail. However, methods for detecting RNA modifications, both sequencing and mass spectrometry, rely on efficient preparation of mRNA. Here, we compared size‐dependent separation by electrophoresis and rRNA depletion for enrichment of Escherichia coli mRNA. The purification success was monitored by qRT‐PCR and RNA sequencing. Neither method allowed complete removal of rRNA. Nevertheless, we were able to quantitatively analyze several modified nucleosides in the different RNA types. We found evidence for stress dependent RNA modification reprofiling in rRNA, but also several modified nucleosides in the mRNA enriched fractions showed significant changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffen Kaiser
- Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main: Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Pharmacy, GERMANY
| | - Stefanie Kaiser
- Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main: Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Pharmacy, GERMANY
| | - Kirsten Jung
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Biology, Grosshaderner Str. 2-4, 82152, Martinsried, GERMANY
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8
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Potential Misidentification of Natural Isomers and Mass-Analogs of Modified Nucleosides by Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050878. [PMID: 35627263 PMCID: PMC9140458 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC-TQ-MS) can detect and quantify modified nucleosides present in various types of RNA, and is being used increasingly in epitranscriptomics. However, due to the low resolution of TQ-MS and the structural complexity of the many naturally modified nucleosides identified to date (>160), the discrimination of isomers and mass-analogs can be problematic and is often overlooked. This study analyzes 17 nucleoside standards by LC-TQ-MS with separation on three different analytical columns and discusses, with examples, three major causes of analyte misidentification: structural isomers, mass-analogs, and isotopic crosstalk. It is hoped that this overview and practical examples will help to strengthen the accuracy of the identification of modified nucleosides by LC-TQ-MS.
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9
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Szczupak P, Sierant M, Wielgus E, Radzikowska-Cieciura E, Kulik K, Krakowiak A, Kuwerska P, Leszczynska G, Nawrot B. Escherichia coli tRNA 2-Selenouridine Synthase (SelU): Elucidation of Substrate Specificity to Understand the Role of S-Geranyl-tRNA in the Conversion of 2-Thio- into 2-Selenouridines in Bacterial tRNA. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091522. [PMID: 35563829 PMCID: PMC9105526 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial enzyme tRNA 2-selenouridine synthase (SelU) is responsible for the conversion of 5-substituted 2-thiouridine (R5S2U), present in the anticodon of some bacterial tRNAs, into 5-substituted 2-selenouridine (R5Se2U). We have already demonstrated using synthetic RNAs that transformation S2U→Se2U is a two-step process, in which the S2U-RNA is geranylated and the resulting geS2U-RNA is selenated. Currently, the question is how SelU recognizes its substrates and what the cellular pathway of R5S2U→R5Se2U conversion is in natural tRNA. In the study presented here, we characterized the SelU substrate requirements, identified SelU-associated tRNAs and their specific modifications in the wobble position. Finally, we explained the sequence of steps in the selenation of tRNA. The S2U position within the RNA chain, the flanking sequence of the modification, and the length of the RNA substrate, all have a key influence on the recognition by SelU. MST data on the affinity of SelU to individual RNAs confirmed the presumed process. SelU binds the R5S2U-tRNA and then catalyzes its geranylation to the R5geS2U-tRNA, which remains bound to the enzyme and is selenated in the next step of the transformation. Finally, the R5Se2U-tRNA leaves the enzyme and participates in the translation process. The enzyme does not directly catalyze the R5S2U-tRNA selenation and the R5geS2U-tRNA is the intermediate product in the linear sequence of reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Szczupak
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (P.S.); (E.W.); (E.R.-C.); (K.K.); (A.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Malgorzata Sierant
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (P.S.); (E.W.); (E.R.-C.); (K.K.); (A.K.); (B.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-(42)-680-32-72
| | - Ewelina Wielgus
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (P.S.); (E.W.); (E.R.-C.); (K.K.); (A.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Ewa Radzikowska-Cieciura
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (P.S.); (E.W.); (E.R.-C.); (K.K.); (A.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Katarzyna Kulik
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (P.S.); (E.W.); (E.R.-C.); (K.K.); (A.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Agnieszka Krakowiak
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (P.S.); (E.W.); (E.R.-C.); (K.K.); (A.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Paulina Kuwerska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Grazyna Leszczynska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Barbara Nawrot
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (P.S.); (E.W.); (E.R.-C.); (K.K.); (A.K.); (B.N.)
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10
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D’Esposito RJ, Myers CA, Chen AA, Vangaveti S. Challenges with Simulating Modified RNA: Insights into Role and Reciprocity of Experimental and Computational Approaches. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030540. [PMID: 35328093 PMCID: PMC8949676 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is critical to a broad spectrum of biological and viral processes. This functional diversity is a result of their dynamic nature; the variety of three-dimensional structures that they can fold into; and a host of post-transcriptional chemical modifications. While there are many experimental techniques to study the structural dynamics of biomolecules, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) play a significant role in complementing experimental data and providing mechanistic insights. The accuracy of the results obtained from MDS is determined by the underlying physical models i.e., the force-fields, that steer the simulations. Though RNA force-fields have received a lot of attention in the last decade, they still lag compared to their protein counterparts. The chemical diversity imparted by the RNA modifications adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging problem. Insight into the effect of RNA modifications upon RNA folding and dynamics is lacking due to the insufficiency or absence of relevant experimental data. This review provides an overview of the state of MDS of modified RNA, focusing on the challenges in parameterization of RNA modifications as well as insights into relevant reference experiments necessary for their calibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. D’Esposito
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA; (R.J.D.); (A.A.C.)
| | - Christopher A. Myers
- Department of Physics, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA;
| | - Alan A. Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA; (R.J.D.); (A.A.C.)
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Sweta Vangaveti
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Correspondence:
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