More than 170 post-transcriptional modifications of RNAs have currently been identified. Detailed biophysical investigations of these modifications have been limited since large RNAs containing these post-transcriptional modifications are difficult to produce. Further, adequate readout of spectroscopic fingerprints are important, necessitating additional labeling procedures beyond the naturally occurring RNA modifications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe stem-loop (SL1) is the 5'-terminal structural element within the single-stranded SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. It is formed by nucleotides 7-33 and consists of two short helical segments interrupted by an asymmetric internal loop. This architecture is conserved among Betacoronaviruses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSARS-CoV-2 contains a positive single-stranded RNA genome of approximately 30 000 nucleotides. Within this genome, 15 RNA elements were identified as conserved between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. By nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we previously determined that these elements fold independently, in line with data from in vivo and ex-vivo structural probing experiments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of the respiratory disease COVID-19. As of today, therapeutic interventions in severe COVID-19 cases are still not available as no effective therapeutics have been developed so far. Despite the ongoing development of a number of effective vaccines, therapeutics to fight the disease once it has been contracted will still be required.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV-2) virus is the causative agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It contains a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome and belongs to the genus of Betacoronaviruses. The 5'- and 3'-genomic ends of the 30 kb SCoV-2 genome are potential antiviral drug targets.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe current pandemic situation caused by the Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV2) highlights the need for coordinated research to combat COVID-19. A particularly important aspect is the development of medication. In addition to viral proteins, structured RNA elements represent a potent alternative as drug targets.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Protoc Nucleic Acid Chem
September 2020
NMR spectroscopy is a potent method for the structural and biophysical characterization of RNAs. The application of NMR spectroscopy is restricted in RNA size and most often requires isotope-labeled or even selectively labeled RNAs. Additionally, new NMR pulse sequences, such as the heteronuclear-detected NMR experiments, are introduced.
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