We here define plasticity (Pt) as conformational flexibility, given by the probabilistically averaged distance between all possible structures in which an RNA molecule can fold.
Recent studies have shown that natively unfolded molecules can partially fold and form, in vitro, either toxic oligomeric species or microscopic fibrillar aggregates, which are neurotoxic.
Because RNA molecules and their reverse complements can fold similarly, the thermodynamics of GU pairs provides information about the reading direction because their complement, CA, forms less stable base pairs.
In the present study, we explore a different strategy by pursuing foldamers; non-biological discrete chain molecules that lack a canonical peptide backbone but can fold into specific structures [ 46].
With this limitation in mind, cytoplasmically stable scFv molecules have been generated via the use of highly stable antibody frameworks that can fold independently and support antigen-binding structures (complementarity determining regions or CDRs) (reviewed by M. Stocks[18]).
Aptamers are short, single-stranded oligonucleotides that can fold into specific three-dimensional structures in order to recognize target molecules, such as small chemicals, proteins, or even cells; as such, they have several potential advantages over antibodies and antibiotics.
In addition, unpaired nucleotides can fold into complex three-dimensional topologies that create specific binding sites for other cellular RNAs, small molecules, and proteins that, when bound, can alter the underlying fold and regulatory function of the RNA [ 4].
I can fold things perfectly.
Critics, you can fold away those thoughts.
