Development of new model experimental systems for investigating nucleic acid interactions in the intracellular environment

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24550200
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Chemistry related to living body
• Research Institution: Konan University
• Principal Investigator: Nakano Shu-ichi 甲南大学, フロンティアサイエンス学部, 教授 (70340908)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 核酸 / リボザイム / 構造安定性 / 分子クラウディング / 混合溶媒 / モデル実験

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Model studies under biomimetic conditions are important to understand the effects of the cellular environment on nucleic acid interactions. Neutral water-soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol and polysaccharides, are often used as cosolutes in the study of molecular crowding. The present research has developed new model experimental systems for investigating nucleic acid interactions in the intracellular environment. The model sytems enabled to evaluate the effects of various environmental factors, including confined condition, cellular molecules, and altered solvent properties, on the structures and catalytic activities of nucleic acids. The quantitative analysis revealed that the environmental factors that contribute to electrostatic interactions have large impact on the stability of nucleic acid interactions. The observations demonstrate the significance of the model studies for the understanding of the behavior of nucleic acids in the intracellular environment.

Free Research Field

生体物理化学