Exploring RNA folding: from structure to function

RNAs regulate biology: In the past years it has become increasingly evident that RNA is the driving force in most cellular processes. Although these RNAs are highly diverse and fulfill very different tasks, they share their strict dependence on acquiring a specific 3D architecture to be functional. The process of folding describes how RNA undergoes the transition from a disordered, unfolded state to the native, functional conformation. Our research focuses on understanding this most essential aspect of RNA function by investigating RNA structure and folding pathways. Specifically, we aim to provide novel insights into protein-facilitated RNA folding and how RNAs fold in the living cell. Ultimately, deciphering the rules governing RNA folding will advance our understanding of the basic mechanism of RNA-dependent processes, like self-splicing and telomere addition, and the role of RNA in disease.

 

Fig. 1 The folding pathway of a group II ribozyme in vitro (Su et al., 2005).