Computational design of an RNA hexagonal nanoring and an RNA nanotube

Nano Lett. 2007 Aug;7(8):2328-34. doi: 10.1021/nl070984r. Epub 2007 Jul 6.

Abstract

The combination of computer modeling, RNA structure versatility, and siRNA function can be efficiently used to design an all-RNA nanoparticle capable of siRNA delivery. Here, we present a computational design of an RNA nanoring and a nanotube. An RNA nanoring consists of six simple linear building blocks that are assembled together via known noncovalent loop-loop contacts based on RNAI/RNAII inverse sequences. The helical sequences of the building blocks can include siRNAs for drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Crystallization / methods
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Design
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Particle Size
  • RNA / chemistry*
  • RNA / ultrastructure*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • RNA