Towards Structurally Characterizing Protein-RNA Interactions With Kino-geometric Sampling

Biomolecules such as protein and RNA are flexible to form complexes and perform their cellular function. Advances in X-ray crystallography, in particular the capabilities of the unique X-ray Free Electron Laser (LCLS) at SLAC, and other imaging techniques exceedingly provide insights into how biomolecules and their complexes move to perform their functions. Combining crystal structures with additional experimental measurements from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or Small Angle Xray Scattering (SAXS) using computer algorithms can structurally characterize these dynamic processes in biomolecules. Here, we propose to combine the expertise on RNA developed at INRIA with an integrative computational procedure developed at Stanford/SLAC that can characterize dynamic processes in RNAs and their complexes from sparse experimental data. Insights from such a virtual bench would have tremendous potential to create value for human biology by enabling new RNA engineering and drug development strategies based on finely calibrating conformational heterogeneity.


 

Academic Year
2014-2015