Screening of quadruplex-forming anti-prion nucleic acids and molecular design on the basis of its mechanism

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26840020
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Structural biochemistry
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Mashima Tsukasa 京都大学, エネルギー理工学研究所, 助教 (20707426)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: アプタマー / 四重鎖核酸 / プリオン病 / 立体構造 / NMR

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Prion diseases typified by the spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are thought to be caused by the accumulation of abnormal form of prion protein (PrPSc). In this study, we have performed screening of the quadruplex-forming nucleic acids that reduce PrPSc levels in prion-infected cells. We have succeeded in obtaining an RNA molecule whose IC50 value is around 100 nM. Unfortunately, NMR spectra of this RNA were too complex to analyze on account of the poor dispersion of signals. Therefore, we carried out the modification of sequence of RNA and the investigation of optimal buffer condition for NMR measurement. As a result, we found a mutated RNA molecule showing good dispersion of NMR signals and also established the suitable buffer condition for NMR measurement.

Free Research Field

構造生物学