A folding-based approach for the luminescent detection of a short RNA hairpin

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Mar 13;135(10):3812-4. doi: 10.1021/ja400270a. Epub 2013 Feb 27.

Abstract

We report the rational design of a 20-mer basic peptide, derived from the transcriptional antitermination protein N of bacteriophage P22, equipped with a luminescent DOTA[Tb(3+)] macrocyclic complex and a sensitizing tryptophan antenna. Folding of this peptide into an α helical conformation, which occurs upon binding to its target boxB RNA hairpin, results in a large increase in luminescence emission. Therefore, the peptide construct works as a highly sensitive and selective probe for this RNA hairpin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring / chemistry*
  • Luminescence*
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Molecular Structure
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Folding
  • RNA, Small Interfering / analysis*
  • Terbium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring
  • Peptides
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Terbium
  • 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane- 1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid