Nucleobase Clustering Contributes to the Formation and Hollowing of Repeat-Expansion RNA Condensate

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Mar 23;144(11):4716-4720. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c12085. Epub 2022 Feb 18.

Abstract

RNA molecules with repeat expansion sequences can phase separate into gel-like condensate, which could lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that, in the presence of Mg2+, RNA molecules containing 20× CAG repeats self-assemble into three morphologically distinct droplets. Using hyperspectral stimulated Raman microscopy, we show that RNA phase separation is accompanied by the clustering of nucleobases while forfeiting the canonical base-paired structure. As the RNA/Mg2+ ratio increases, the RNA droplets first expand and then shrink to adopt hollow vesicle-like structures. Significantly, for both large and vesicle-like RNA droplets, the nucleobase-clustered structure is more prominent at the rim, suggesting a continuously hardening process. This mechanism may be implicated in the general aging processes of RNA-containing membrane-less organelles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Pairing
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases*
  • Organelles
  • RNA* / chemistry
  • Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion

Substances

  • RNA