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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

February 28, 2021

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

February 25, 2021

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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