RNA knots provide resistance

Exoribonuclease enzymes are recruited to shield cells in opposition to viruses by degrading viral RNA. Some viruses, along with flaviviruses akin to Zika virus, possess developed RNA that is proof in opposition to exoribonuclease. Structural reviews uncover that the resistant RNAs possess a knot-adore development. To be taught one of the best way the knot makes the RNA exoribonuclease resistant, Zhao and Woodside measured the forces desired to unfold single resistant RNA molecules. They mapped a chain of structural transitions and uncover how the RNA must fold within the apt interpret to provide a extraordinarily genuine knotted development. Alternate structures with less-genuine knot-adore structures attain no longer withstand degradation. Targeting key intermediates on the path to the degradation-resistant development will be developed correct into a therapeutic plot.

Nat. Chem. Biol. 10.1038/s41589-021-00829-z (2021).