Nmr Study Of Dynamic Structural Transitions In Rna Molecules

This book presents a critical assessment of progress on the use of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine the structure of proteins, including brief reviews of the history of the field along with coverage of current clinical and in vivo applications. The book, in honor of Oleg Jardetsky, one of the pioneers of the field, is edited by two of the most highly respected investigators using NMR, and features contributions by most of the leading workers in the field. It will be valued as a landmark publication that presents the state-of-the-art perspectives regarding one of today's most important technologies.

The central dogma of molecular biology, which describes the flow of information from genes to proteins, requires the function of a multitude of proteins and RNA molecules. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a powerful method for characterizing structures and dynamics of biological macromolecules, allows us to gain significant insights into how these molecules function, enabling scientific advances that can lead to disease prevention or therapeutic development. The studies presented here describe the application of NMR spectroscopy to the characterization of two different macromolecules directly involved in regulating processes of the central dogma and another that hijacks these processes for its function.

The Nuclear Overhauser Effect in Structural and Conformational Analysis, Second Edition, uniquely explains the NOE in detail, making it an indispensable resource for the novice as well as the experienced NMR researcher.

This volume contains contributions from the speakers at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on "3D 5tructure and Dynamics of RNA", which was held in Renesse, The Netherlands, 21 - 24 August, 1985. Two major developments have determined the progress of nucleic acid research during the last decade. First, manipulation of genetic material by recombinant DNA methodology has enabled detailed studies of the function of nucleic acids in vivo. 5econd, the use of powerful physical methods, such as X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, in the study of biomacromolecules has provided information regarding the structure and the dynamics of nucleic acids. Both developments were enabled by the advance of synthetic methods that allow preparation of nucleic acid molecules of required sequence and length. The basic understanding of nucleic acid function will ultimately depend on a close collaboration between molecular biologists and biophy sicists. In the case of RNA, the ground rules for the formation of secondary structure have been derived from physical studies of oligoribonucleotides. Powerfull spectroscopic techniques have revealed more details of ~~A structure including novel conformations (e.g. left-handed Z-RNA). A wealth of information has been obtained by studying the relatively small transfer RNA molecules. A few of these RNAs have been crystallized, enabling determination of their three-dimensional structure. It has become apparent that "non-classical" basepairing between distal nucleotides gives rise to tertiary interactions, determining the overall shape of the molecule.

This volume provides a wide spectrum of multidisciplinary approaches for studying RNA structure and dynamics, including detailed accounts of experimental and computational procedures. Chapters guide readers through cryo-electron microscopy, crystallography, isothermal titration calorimetry, small angle X-ray scattering, single-molecule Förster Energy transfer, X-ray free electron laser, atomic force microscopy, computational simulation, and prediction. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, RNA Structure and Dynamics aims to be a foundation for future studies and to be a source of inspiration for new investigations in the field.