Finding the Ion in the RNA-Stack: Can Computational Models Accurately Predict Key Functional Elements in Large Macromolecular Complexes?

J Chem Inf Model. 2021 Jun 28;61(6):2511-2515. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00572. Epub 2021 Jun 16.

Abstract

This viewpoint discusses the predictive power and impact of computational analyses and simulations to gain prospective, experimentally supported mechanistic insights into complex biological systems. Remarkably, two newly resolved cryoEM structures have confirmed the previous, and independent, prediction of the precise localization and dynamics of key catalytic ions in megadalton-large spliceosomal complexes. This outstanding outcome endorses a prominent synergy of computational and experimental methods in the prospective exploration of such large multicomponent biosystems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Ions
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA*

Substances

  • Ions
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • RNA