What is it about?
A database showcasing the reasons large RNAs stay folded in their native structure.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Knowledge about the metal binding sites can provide insight for mechanisms, stability and function. Furhtermore, future stucture prediction is facilitated with a library based on exisiting metal binding sites.
Perspectives
The primary function of RNA molecules is information storage. However, this does not cover the full picture of RNA. Like proteins, RNA molecules can fold into a native, three-dimensional structure and fulfil many functions, such as regulation and even enzymatic activity. A correctly folded structure is necessary for RNA to be able to fulfil functions that go beyond being the hard drives (or RAM) of nature. In order to overcome its negatively charged structure and for a correct fold, metal ions such as magnesium or potassium are vital. The MINAS database comprises all metal ions and ion locations within RNA (and also DNA) molecules of known 3D structures.
Dr Joachim Schnabl
ETH Zürich, D-CHAB
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: MINAS--a database of Metal Ions in Nucleic AcidS, Nucleic Acids Research, November 2011, Oxford University Press (OUP),
DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr920.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
