This project is dedicated to achieving this level of understanding for a ubiquitous building block element of RNA tertiary structure: the helix-junction-helix (HJH) motif. Our studies are made possible by recent breakthroughs in experimental techniques for dissecting RNA structure ensembles. This study will mark the beginning of an effort aimed at comprehensively characterizing the entire HJH ‘periodic table’.
This project focuses the ubiquitous ion atmosphere, which profoundly influences the overall folding of all complex RNAs. We have chosen to work with simple, structurally well-defined constructs to isolate electrostatic interactions involving the ion atmosphere to their basic core elements. This basic, comprehensive, and rich data is used to rigorously develop and test state-of-the-art electrostatic models and theories that can be applied for prediction and used as tools for design in more complicated RNA systems.
