Poster abstracts
Poster number 19 submitted by Beau Champ
Using SHAPE chemistry to determine the structure of the ykkCD RNA riboswitch
Beau Champ (Chemistry, Ball State University), Timea Gerczei (Chemistry, Ball State University)
Abstract:
Riboswitches are RNA aptamers that are involved in cellular regulatory functions. They fold in a specific 3D shape and often undergo structural transition when bound to the target molecule. This allosteric structural transition typically allows or prevents the downstream translation of a protein. Here, we study the ykkCD riboswitch, which recognizes the antibiotic tetracycline and regulates expression of a multidrug resistant efflux pump in Bacillus subtillis. Our goal is to use SHAPE (selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension) chemistry to identify structural change that takes place upon tetracycline binding by the ykkCD riboswitch. We will also examine whether there is any difference in structure when the ykkCD RNA is made in vivo versus in vitro.
Keywords: SHAPE, tetracycline, riboswitch