The use of neutrons to study protein-RNA interactions

Abstract

Protein-RNA interactions play a key role in the structure, morphogenesis and function of various systems (viruses, ribosomes and, more generally, protein synthesis). The neutron is a powerful tool to study those interactions. Some examples, are given. For viruses, neutrons provide structural information on the two molecules where they interact. Viral proteins do not appear to be simple globular proteins. In the interactions between tRNA and aminoacyl tRNA synthetases, neutrons allow a simultaneous study of the reaction and of the structural modifications associated with that reaction, giving a hint on the role of both electrostatic and specific interactions.