Abstract
The three dimensional arrangement of nucleotides in RNA molecules are indispensable for their biological function. However, the rules and relationships that define how RNA “folds” into these biologically relevant conformations, or states, is poorly understood. In order to examine how cations and proteins can influence this process, I focused on measuring the folding process of a 60mer fragment of the GTPase center of the large subunit of the ribosome. The folding pathway was interrogated with a wide spectrum of biophysical techniques. We elucidated a six state divalent ion induced folding pathway and an allosteric mechanism underlying the binding of the L11 protein. This work establishes the remarkable complexity of RNA folding and binding of this particular molecule, and suggests that multi-state folding pathways might not be the exception, but the rule.
Committee Chair
Kathleen B. Hall
Committee Members
Gary Stormo, Elliot Elson, Roberto Galletto, Hani Zaher,
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Author's Department
Biology & Biomedical Sciences (Computational & Molecular Biophysics)
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
Winter 12-15-2018
Language
English (en)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7936/2t2q-nw35
Recommended Citation
Welty, Robb, "Kinetic Modeling of RNA Folding and Allostery" (2018). Arts & Sciences Theses and Dissertations. 1685.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.7936/2t2q-nw35
Comments
Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/2t2q-nw35