Analysis, Prediction, and Design of Viral RNA Secondary Structures
Presenter
October 30, 2007
Abstract
Understanding how biological sequences encode structural and functional
information is a fundamental scientific challenge. For RNA viral genomes,
the information encoded in the sequence extends well-beyond their protein
coding role to the role of intra-sequence base pairing in viral packaging,
replication, and gene expression. Working with the Pariacoto virus as a
model sequence, we investigate the compatibility of predicted base pairings
with the dodecahedral cage known from crystallographic studies.
To build a putative secondary structure, we first analyze different
possible configurations using a combinatorial model of RNA folding.
We give results on the trade-offs among types of loop structures,
the asymptotic degree of branching in typical configurations, and
the characteristics of stems in "well-determined" substructures.
These mathematical results yield insights into the interaction of
local and global constraints in RNA secondary structures, and suggest
new directions in understanding the folding of RNA viral genomes.