scholarly journals Structural analyses of an RNA stability element interacting with poly(A)

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (14) ◽  
pp. e2026656118
Author(s):  
Seyed-Fakhreddin Torabi ◽  
Yen-Lin Chen ◽  
Kaiming Zhang ◽  
Jimin Wang ◽  
Suzanne J. DeGregorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Rna Stability ◽  
Cis Acting ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Structure Probing ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Triplex Structure ◽  
Rna Interaction ◽  
Helical Region

Cis-acting RNA elements are crucial for the regulation of polyadenylated RNA stability. The element for nuclear expression (ENE) contains a U-rich internal loop flanked by short helices. An ENE stabilizes RNA by sequestering the poly(A) tail via formation of a triplex structure that inhibits a rapid deadenylation-dependent decay pathway. Structure-based bioinformatic studies identified numerous ENE-like elements in evolutionarily diverse genomes, including a subclass containing two ENE motifs separated by a short double-helical region (double ENEs [dENEs]). Here, the structure of a dENE derived from a rice transposable element (TWIFB1) before and after poly(A) binding (∼24 kDa and ∼33 kDa, respectively) is investigated. We combine biochemical structure probing, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to investigate the dENE structure and its local and global structural changes upon poly(A) binding. Our data reveal 1) the directionality of poly(A) binding to the dENE, and 2) that the dENE-poly(A) interaction involves a motif that protects the 3ʹ-most seven adenylates of the poly(A). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the dENE does not undergo a dramatic global conformational change upon poly(A) binding. These findings are consistent with the recently solved crystal structure of a dENE+poly(A) complex [S.-F. Torabi et al., Science 371, eabe6523 (2021)]. Identification of additional modes of poly(A)–RNA interaction opens new venues for better understanding of poly(A) tail biology.

scholarly journals Structural changes of tailless bacteriophage ΦX174 during penetration of bacterial cell walls

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (52) ◽  
pp. 13708-13713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingyuan Sun ◽  
Aaron P. Roznowski ◽  
Joshua M. Tokuda ◽  
Thomas Klose ◽  
Alexander Mauney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
The Other ◽  
Host Bacterium ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Viral Attachment ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy

Unlike tailed bacteriophages, which use a preformed tail for transporting their genomes into a host bacterium, the ssDNA bacteriophage ΦX174 is tailless. Using cryo-electron microscopy and time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering, we show that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) form bilayers that interact with ΦX174 at an icosahedral fivefold vertex and induce single-stranded (ss) DNA genome ejection. The structures of ΦX174 complexed with LPS have been determined for the pre- and post-ssDNA ejection states. The ejection is initiated by the loss of the G protein spike that encounters the LPS, followed by conformational changes of two polypeptide loops on the major capsid F proteins. One of these loops mediates viral attachment, and the other participates in making the fivefold channel at the vertex contacting the LPS.

Cryo-electron microscopy of two-dimensional crystals of reduced type B botulinum neurotoxin

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 530-531
Author(s):  
P. F. Flicker ◽  
V.S. Kulkarni ◽  
J. P. Robinson ◽  
G. Stubbs ◽  
B. R. DasGupta
Keyword(s):  
Disulfide Bonds ◽  
Clostridium Botulinum ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Type B ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Muscle Paralysis ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Disulfide Linkages ◽  
Intracellular Action

Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. The toxin inhibits release of neurotransmitter, causing muscle paralysis. There are several serotypes, A to G, all of molecular weight about 150,000. The protein exists as a single chain or or as two chains, with two disulfide linkages. In a recent investigation on intracellular action of neurotoxins it was reported that type B neurotoxin can inhibit the release of Ca++-activated [3H] norepinephrine only if the disulfide bonds are reduced. In order to investigate possible structural changes in the toxin upon reduction of the disulfide bonds, we have prepared two-dimensional crystals of reduced type B neurotoxin. These two-dimensional crystals will be compared with those of the native (unreduced) type B toxin.

scholarly journals Investigation of Hydrothermally Stressed Silicone Rubber/Silica Micro and Nanocomposite for the Coating High Voltage Insulation Applications

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3567
Author(s):  
Faiza Faiza ◽  
Abraiz Khattak ◽  
Safi Ullah Butt ◽  
Kashif Imran ◽  
Abasin Ulasyar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silicone Rubber ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Polymer Chains ◽  
Hydrothermal Conditions ◽  
Silica Filler ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Aging Conditions ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Micro Silica ◽  
Applied Stresses

Silicone rubber is a promising insulating material that has been performing well for different insulating and dielectric applications. However, in outdoor applications, environmental stresses cause structural and surface degradations that diminish its insulating properties. This effect of degradation can be reduced with the addition of a suitable filler to the polymer chains. For the investigation of structural changes and hydrophobicity four different systems were fabricated, including neat silicone rubber, a micro composite (with 15% micro-silica filler), and nanocomposites (with 2.5% and 5% nanosilica filler) by subjecting them to various hydrothermal conditions. In general, remarkable results were obtained by the addition of fillers. However, nanocomposites showed the best resistance against the applied stresses. In comparison to neat silicone rubber, the stability of the structure and hydrophobic behavior was better for micro-silica, which was further enhanced in the case of nanocomposites. The inclusion of 5% nanosilica showed the best results before and after applying aging conditions.

scholarly journals Redox Mechanism of Azathioprine and Its Interaction with DNA

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6805
Author(s):  
Mihaela-Cristina Bunea ◽  
Victor-Constantin Diculescu ◽  
Monica Enculescu ◽  
Horia Iovu ◽  
Teodor Adrian Enache
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Differential Pulse ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drug ◽  
Redox Mechanism ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Dna Film ◽  
Scanning Electron

The electrochemical behavior and the interaction of the immunosuppressive drug azathioprine (AZA) with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were investigated using voltammetric techniques, mass spectrometry (MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The redox mechanism of AZA on glassy carbon (GC) was investigated using cyclic and differential pulse (DP) voltammetry. It was proven that the electroactive center of AZA is the nitro group and its reduction mechanism is a diffusion-controlled process, which occurs in consecutive steps with formation of electroactive products and involves the transfer of electrons and protons. A redox mechanism was proposed and the interaction of AZA with DNA was also investigated. Morphological characterization of the DNA film on the electrode surface before and after interaction with AZA was performed using scanning electron microscopy. An electrochemical DNA biosensor was employed to study the interactions between AZA and DNA with different concentrations, incubation times, and applied potential values. It was shown that the reduction of AZA molecules bound to the DNA layer induces structural changes of the DNA double strands and oxidative damage, which were recognized through the occurrence of the 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine oxidation peak. Mass spectrometry investigation of the DNA film before and after interaction with AZA also demonstrated the formation of AZA adducts with purine bases.

scholarly journals A Vibration-Based Structural Health Monitoring System for Transmission Line Towers

Electronics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Zhao ◽  
Xinbo Huang ◽  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Yi Tian ◽  
Yu Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Structural Health Monitoring ◽  
Transmission Line ◽  
Natural Frequency ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Natural Frequencies ◽  
Transmission Tower ◽  
Health Monitoring System ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Before And After

In this paper, we present a vibration-based transmission tower structural health monitoring system consisting of two parts that identifies structural changes in towers. An accelerometer group realizes vibration response acquisition at different positions and reduces the risk of data loss by data compression technology. A solar cell provides the power supply. An analyser receives the data from the acceleration sensor group and calculates the transmission tower natural frequencies, and the change in the structure is determined based on natural frequencies. Then, the data are sent to the monitoring center. Furthermore, analysis of the vibration signal and the calculation method of natural frequencies are proposed. The response and natural frequencies of vibration at different wind speeds are analysed by time-domain signal, power spectral density (PSD), root mean square (RMS) and short-time Fouier transform (STFT). The natural frequency identification of the overall structure by the stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method reveals that the number of natural frequencies that can be calculated at different wind speeds is different, but the 2nd, 3rd and 4th natural frequencies can be excited. Finally, the system was tested on a 110 kV experimental transmission line. After 18 h of experimentation, the natural frequency of the overall structure of the transmission tower was determined before and after the tower leg was lifted. The results show that before and after the tower leg is lifted, the natural frequencies of each order exhibit obvious changes, and the differences in the average values can be used as the basis for judging the structural changes of the tower.

Photoinduced structural changes in amorphousAs2S3as measured by differential anomalous x-ray scattering

1995 ◽  
Vol 52 (14) ◽  
pp. 10025-10034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Ma ◽  
Weiqing Zhou ◽  
D. E. Sayers ◽  
M. A. Paesler
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Ray Scattering

Degradation of Great Tit (Parus Major) Song Before And After Foliation: Implications for Vocal Communication in a Deciduous Forest

Behaviour ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 141 (8) ◽  
pp. 935-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Blumenrath ◽  
Torben Dabelsteen
Keyword(s):  
Information Transfer ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Parus Major ◽  
Great Tit ◽  
Transmission Experiment ◽  
Distance Information ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSongbirds living in temperate forests experience great seasonal changes in habitat acoustics during the part of the breeding season when singing activity is high. These changes, which are brought about by accelerated vegetation growth and leaf burst in spring, affect sound propagation and potentially render vocal communication more difficult as the total number of scattering and absorbing obstacles increases. We investigated this in a sound transmission experiment in which representative great tit (Parus major) songs were broadcast in a typical forest habitat before and after foliation. Speaker and microphone were placed at natural separation distances and in typical sender and receiver positions. For each song note we quantified several aspects of sound degradation and found that they all increased considerably when leaves were present. Before foliation the same amount of degradation would only be obtained by doubling the transmission distance, i.e. foliage shortens the active space of great tit song. This inevitably alters distance information, provided that distance-dependent, structural changes of received songs are used as ranging cues. Moreover, sender and receiver positions within the canopy become unfavourable compared to heights just below the canopy when the aim is to maximise song propagation distances. Altogether, the presence of foliage greatly affects the potential for vocal information transfer in great tits and requires behavioural and/or perceptual adjustment of the communicating individuals to counteract or reduce the impact of foliage on signal degradation.

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