Ca2+ induces the formation of two distinct subpopulations of group II intron molecules.

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl

Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.

Published: February 2010

AI Article Synopsis

  • The D135 ribozyme from the .ai5γ derived group II intron is specifically tuned to utilize the correct metal cofactor for its function.
  • When magnesium (Mg) is partially replaced with calcium (Ca), the ribozyme separates into two stable and distinct groups, indicating that they cannot easily switch between states.
  • One of these groups, referred to as type 2 molecules, ends up in a compact but incorrectly folded configuration, which may affect its activity.

Article Abstract

The folding pathway of the .ai5γ derived group II intron ribozyme D135 is highly specific to the correct M cofactor. Upon partial replacement of Mg with Ca, the molecules split into two distinct static subpopulations that are not interchangeable. Type 2 molecules thereby form a compact but misfolded state.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864518PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.200903809DOI Listing

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