Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on hydration and activity of ribozymes

Mol Biol Rep. 2010 Dec;37(8):3713-9. doi: 10.1007/s11033-010-0024-3. Epub 2010 Mar 4.

Abstract

Formation and stabilization of RNA structure in the cell depends on its interaction with solvent and metal ions. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is a convenient tool in an analysis of the role of small molecules in the structure stabilization of biological macromolecules. Analysis of HHP effect and various concentrations of ions showed that water induce formation of the active ribozyme structure. So, it is clear that water is the driving force of conformational changes of nucleic acid.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Biocatalysis / drug effects
  • Hydrolysis / drug effects
  • Hydrostatic Pressure
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation / drug effects
  • Potassium Chloride / pharmacology
  • RNA, Catalytic / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / chemistry
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Sodium Chloride / pharmacology

Substances

  • RNA, Catalytic
  • RNA, Messenger
  • hammerhead ribozyme
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Potassium Chloride