Summary:
Scientists have unveiled the 3D structure of SAMURI, an RNA enzyme capable of catalyzing precise modifications in other RNA molecules. This discovery offers insights into the evolution of catalytically active RNA and opens new possibilities for RNA-based therapeutics.FULL STORY:
A research team led by Professor Claudia Höbartner at the University of Würzburg has revealed the 3D structure of SAMURI, a synthetic RNA enzyme. The study highlights how SAMURI uses the molecule S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to modify RNA at specific sites, influencing its function. Such chemical modifications are critical for proper cellular activity, and errors can disrupt metabolic processes.What makes SAMURI unique is its catalytic efficiency in modifying RNA, unlike natural SAM-binding RNA molecules like riboswitches, which lack catalytic activity. By comparing SAMURI's structure with natural riboswitches, the researchers shed light on how ribozymes may have evolved over time, potentially losing catalytic functions in certain cases.
Understanding the structure and function of catalytic RNA is vital for advancing RNA-based therapeutics. SAMURI's unique capabilities may inspire the development of drugs that can target or mimic natural RNA modifications, aiding research in genetic regulation and disease treatment.
"This foundational research is a step toward leveraging ribozymes in therapeutic applications," Höbartner said.
The study was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Reference
Hsuan-Ai Chen, Takumi Okuda, Ann-Kathrin Lenz, Carolin P. M. Scheitl, Hermann Schindelin, Claudia Höbartner. Structure and catalytic activity of the SAM-utilizing ribozyme SAMURI. Nature Chemical Biology, 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01808-w
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