Molecular dynamics of RNA model systems studied by time-resolved optical and IR spectroscopy (A07)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: from 2011 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 161793742

The vital role of RNA structure and conformational dynamics for its biological functionality is increasingly recognized. Therefore we develop systems and methodologies to obtain a time- and site-resolved picture of the functional dynamics of various regulatory RNAs. Specific spectroscopic labels allow to monitor folding and hybridization dynamics. Photoswitchable RNA-ligand-systems based on azobenzene or spiropyran units or photocaged circularized RNAs provide the necessary spatial and temporal resolution to trigger and observe these processes and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 902: Molecular Principles of RNA-based Regulation
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Josef Wachtveitl