Theoretical studies on RNA recognition by Musashi 1 RNA-binding protein
In this contribution we study the association complexes of the RNA-binding protein Musashi 1 (MSI1) with different RNA motifs, using molecular dynamics simulations
The RNA-binding protein Musashi1 (MSI1) is involved in the maintenance and self-renewal of neuronal progenitor and stem cells. Alongside its endogenous role, it has been shown to enhance the replication of Zika virus (ZIKV), suggesting a crucial role of MSI1:RNA complexes in ZIKV-induced neurotropism.
This paper uses computational modeling to study association complexes of the RNA-binding protein Musashi 1 (MSI1) with different target RNAs. MSI1 has two RNA-binding domains that exhibit different affinities to bind single-stranded #RNA molecules. Here, we investigate MSI1:RNA complexes using different RNA pentamer motifs, employing molecular dynamics simulations with binding free energy calculations. Understanding these RNA-protein complexes is important to explain MSI1-mediated congenital neuropathology, such as microcephaly.
Joint work with Thanyada Rungrotmongkol and Nitchakan Darai (Chulalongkorn University), as well as Peter Wolschann (Universität Wien)
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Citation
Theoretical studies on RNA recognition by Musashi 1 RNA–binding protein
Nitchakan Darai, Panupong Mahalapbutr, Peter Wolschann, Vannajan Sanghiran Lee, Michael T. Wolfinger, Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
Sci. Rep. 12:12137 (2022) | doi:10.1038/s41598-022-16252-w | PDF
See Also
Musashi Binding Elements in Zika and Related Flavivirus 3’UTRs: A Comparative Study in Silico
Adriano de Bernardi Schneider, Michael T. Wolfinger
Sci. Rep. 9(1):6911 (2019) | doi:10.1038/s41598-019-43390-5 | PDF | Figures