Molecular mechanisms underlying the extreme mechanical anisotropy of the flaviviral exoribonuclease-resistant RNAs (xrRNAs)

Abstract

The xrRNA1 RNA from ZIKA virus (ZIKV) forms a complex ring-like architecture and is known for its mechanical anisotropy, but the mechanism for its direction-dependent mechanical responses remain unclear. Here authors use a single-molecule nanopore sensing technique combined with molecular dynamics simulations and show that the anisotropy in ZIKV xrRNA1 depends on Mg2+ and the key tertiary interactions.