Reversible unfolding of single RNA molecules by mechanical force

Science. 2001 Apr 27;292(5517):733-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1058498.

Abstract

Here we use mechanical force to induce the unfolding and refolding of single RNA molecules: a simple RNA hairpin, a molecule containing a three-helix junction, and the P5abc domain of the Tetrahymena thermophila ribozyme. All three molecules (P5abc only in the absence of Mg2+) can be mechanically unfolded at equilibrium, and when kept at constant force within a critical force range, are bi-stable and hop between folded and unfolded states. We determine the force-dependent equilibrium constants for folding/unfolding these single RNA molecules and the positions of their transition states along the reaction coordinate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Edetic Acid
  • Kinetics
  • Magnesium
  • Microspheres
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation*
  • Polystyrenes
  • RNA / chemistry*
  • RNA Stability
  • RNA, Catalytic / chemistry*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tetrahymena thermophila
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Polystyrenes
  • RNA, Catalytic
  • RNA
  • Edetic Acid
  • Magnesium