Naturally ornate RNA homo-oligomeric complexes

TL;DR

This paper reveals the 3D structures of three large, complex bacterial RNAs that form stable, protein-free complexes.

Contribution

The study experimentally demonstrates novel homo-oligomeric RNA structures with unique architectural features and biological relevance.

Findings

GOLLD, ROOL, and OLE RNAs form stable homo-oligomeric complexes with diameters larger than the ribosome.

OLE RNA forms a dimeric complex with co-axial pipes spanning two monomers.

Sequence covariation analysis supports the evolutionary conservation and biological importance of these RNA structures.

Abstract

Myriad families of natural RNAs have been proposed, but not yet experimentally shown, to form biologically important structures. Cryogenic electron microscopy revealed the three-dimensional structures of three large ornate bacterial RNAs at 2.9-3.1 Å. Without precedent among previously characterized natural RNA molecules, Giant, Ornate, Lake- and Lactobacillales-Derived (GOLLD), Rumen-Originating, Ornate, Large (ROOL), and Ornate Large Extremophilic (OLE) RNAs form homo-oligomeric complexes whose stoichiometries are retained at concentrations lower than expected in the cell. OLE RNA forms a dimeric complex with long co-axial pipes spanning two monomers. Both GOLLD and ROOL form distinct RNA-only multimeric nanocages with diameters larger than the ribosome. Extensive intra- and intermolecular A-minor interactions, kissing loops, an unusual A-A helix, and other interactions stabilize the three complexes. Sequence covariation analysis of these large RNAs reveals evolutionary conservation of intermolecular interactions, supporting the biological importance of large, ornate RNA quaternary structures that can assemble without any involvement of proteins.