(Structure and stability of nucleic acids)
We study the conformations of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides in order to understand their biological roles. We have determined the structure of the most common type of hairpin loop found in ribosomal RNA--the extra-stable tetraloop. It is actually a biloop with the other two bases in the loop forming a non-Watson-Crick base pair. This is the highest resolution structure reported for an RNA molecule in solution so far. We have obtained structures of pseudoknots and we have deduced general rules for their formation. We are presently studying a pseudoknot which is necessary for the replication of a retrovirus. The research done in the laboratory has been reported in 24 publications, plus 7 manuscripts in press or submitted. The research was done by 14 graduate students and 7 postdoctoral fellows. Five graduate students have received their Ph.D.s and 4 postdoctorals have finished their stay here. There are presently 9 graduate students and 3 postdoctorals working on the project; 2 new postdoctorals are expected this summer. One undergraduate student usually participates in the research during the year; this summer two undergraduates are working on the project. 31 refs., 4 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG03-86ER60406
- OSTI ID:
- 5999878
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/60406-T5; ON: DE92003461
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
(Structure and stability of nucleic acids)
Mentorship: The Education-Research Continuum
Related Subjects
DNA
STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
FORECASTING
RNA
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE
PROGRESS REPORT
RIBOSOMAL RNA
STABILITY
THERMODYNAMICS
VIRUSES
DOCUMENT TYPES
MAGNETIC RESONANCE
MICROORGANISMS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PARASITES
RESONANCE
550200* - Biochemistry
550400 - Genetics