Switchback RNA

Abstract

Intricately designed DNA and RNA motifs guide the assembly of robust and functional nucleic acid nanostructures. In this work, we present a globally left-handed RNA motif with two parallel strands called switchback RNA and report its assembly, biophysical, and biochemical characterization. Switchback RNA can be assembled in buffers without Mg2+, with improved thermal stability in buffers containing Mg2+, Na+, or K+. Differences in the binding of small molecules to switchback RNA and conventional RNA indicate design-based approaches for small molecule loading on RNA nanostructures. Further, the differential affinity of the two component strands in switchback or conventional duplex conformations allows for toehold-less strand displacement. Enzyme studies showed that the switchback and conventional RNA structures have similar levels of nuclease resistance. These results provide insights for employing switchback RNA as a structural motif in RNA nanotechnology. Our observation that RNA strands with switchback complementarity can form stable complexes at low magnesium concentrations encourages studies into the potential occurrence of switchback RNA in nature.