Watch videos about Zika

Illustration of various scientists wearing labcoats, measuring, climbing enormous RNA structure, looking through a magnifying glass and taking notes.

Predicting ZIKA virus RNA structure based on novel RNA-RNA interactomic data

The structural flexibility of RNA underlies fundamental biological processes, but there were no methods to explore the multiple conformations adopted by RNAs in vivo. We developed cross-linking of matched RNAs and deep sequencing (COMRADES) for in-depth RNA conformation capture, and a pipeline for the retrieval of RNA structural ensembles.

Using COMRADES, we determined the architecture of the Zika virus RNA genome inside cells and identified multiple site-specific interactions with human noncoding RNAs.

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A big out-of-proportion chemical compound falling into a cell and causing a big splash. Few Zika virions surrounding it.

ZIKA virus genome structure based on RNA-RNA interactions

The zika virus genome is a single-stranded RNA molecule. Not much was known about its structure. A collaborative initiative between two Universities in the United Kingdom solved this riddle and developed a method to explore multiple conformations adopted by RNAs in vivo in virus-infected cells. Just like a person can fold their body into multiple yoga positions, the Zika virus genome can do similar. Watch this video to learn how!

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