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Measuring nanometer distances in the packaging RNA using Double Electron-Electron Resonance.


EMSL Project ID
38795

Abstract

In this renewal application we request to continue to use the pulsed EPR spectrometer at EMSL. We will use the instrument to measure nanometer distances in a complex of the packaging RNA (pRNA), which is an essential component in the strongest known biological motor - the phi29 bacteriophage DNA packaging motor. The measured distances will be used to obtain the global structure of the pRNA. Our work on pRNA is supported by NSF and NIH. During the previous funding period, we have acquired the ability to independently operate the EMSL instrument, as well as accumulated a significant amount of pRNA data. One significant obstacle we are facing is the inadequate pulsed EPR instrumentation time. Here we request on average one week per month of pulsed EPR instrument time at EMSL. This will allow us to obtain additional data and generate the first experimentally determined pRNA global structure. The studies will provide much-needed structural information on pRNA, and will ultimately advance our understanding of phi29 packaging motor function. The results might aid in designing new nano-motors, thus supporting the needs of DOE and the nation.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2010-01-27
End Date
2011-01-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Peter Qin
Institution
University of Southern California

Team Members

Anna Popova
Institution
University of Southern California

Michael Bowman
Institution
University of Alabama

Related Publications

Zhang X, CS Tung, G Sowa, MM Hatmal, IS Haworth, and PZ Qin. 2012. "Global Structure of a Three-Way Junction in a Phi29 Packaging RNA Dimer Determined Using Site-Directed Spin Labeling." Journal of the American Chemical Society 134(5):2644-2652. doi:10.1021/ja2093647