About this Research Topic
There is growing evidence that the sequence-dependent flexibility of DNA and RNA plays a central role in guiding structural transitions towards specific functions. New tools and recent advances in experimental and computational methods have made it possible to visualize nucleic acid structure and dynamics at atomic resolution and over biological timescales, both in vitro and inside the cell. For example, hybrid approaches that integrate a broad range of biophysical and biochemical information have permitted elucidation of NA conformational ensembles and dynamic switches in complex biomolecular machines.
Powerful spectroscopic techniques can be used to extract rates of inter-conversion between different conformers by monitoring one molecule at a time or to characterize transitions to sparsely populated but functionally relevant conformers that have evaded direct detection. Still, our knowledge of how the structural flexibility of DNA and RNA directs their mechanism of action remains limited. Here, we aim to collect recent progress in understanding, at atomic detail, the molecular properties of nucleic acids that govern their biological roles.
In this Research Topic, we welcome Original Research, Methods, Mini Reviews, and Perspectives. The themes of this collection include but are not limited to the following broad areas:
High-resolution structural and dynamics studies of DNA/RNA (and their complexes) using X-ray,
cryo-EM, NMR, MD simulations, and other advanced biophysical techniques.
Biophysical properties of DNA/RNA (and their complexes) revealed by single-molecule FRET,
magnetic tweezers, SAXS, NMR, EPR, molecular modeling, chemical probing, etc.
Non-canonical structures, folding, base-pairing and their dependence on sequence, modifications, and environmental conditions.
Effect of damage and modifications on DNA/RNA structure, flexibility, and recognition by repair and regulatory proteins.
In vivo studies of DNA/RNA conformation, binding, catalysis, etc.
New technologies/hybrid methods for investigating DNA/RNA flexibility, folding, recognition, and
catalytic activity in vitro and in the cell.
Large DNA/RNA-protein assembles and machines (nucleosomes, ribosomes, other RNPs)
Dr. Junji Iwahara is receiving funding from the company Pfizer Inc. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests.
Keywords: DNA, RNA, nucleic acid structure and dynamics, protein-nucleic acid interactions, biophysical methods
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.