Language

English

Publication Date

1-18-2024

Journal

Cell Chemical Biology

DOI

10.1093/nar/gkad522

PMID

37334863

PMCID

PMC10484685

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

6-19-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

RNA secondary structure plays essential roles in encoding RNA regulatory fate and function. Most RNAs populate ensembles of alternatively paired states and are continually unfolded and refolded by cellular processes. Measuring these structural ensembles and their contributions to cellular function has traditionally posed major challenges, but new methods and conceptual frameworks are beginning to fill this void. In this review, we provide a mechanism- and function-centric compendium of the roles of RNA secondary structural ensembles and minority states in regulating the RNA life cycle, from transcription to degradation. We further explore how dysregulation of RNA structural ensembles contributes to human disease and discuss the potential of drugging alternative RNA states to therapeutically modulate RNA activity. The emerging paradigm of RNA structural ensembles as central to RNA function provides a foundation for a deeper understanding of RNA biology and new therapeutic possibilities.

Keywords

Humans, RNA, Protein Structure, Secondary

Published Open-Access

yes

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