Interactions of RNA and Water probed by 2D-IR Spectroscopy

Benjamin P Fingerhut,Jakob Schauss,Torsten Siebert,Eva M Bruening,Thomas Elsaesser

doi:10.1051/epjconf/201920510003

Benjamin P Fingerhut, Jakob Schauss + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/201920510003

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Abstract

Combined experimental-theoretical investigation of ultrafast hydration dynamics of an A-form RNA double helix in water reveals an ordered arrangement of water molecules and provides boundary conditions for the ion atmosphere around the polyanionic RNA.

Highlights

We report the first ultrafast pump-probe and 2D-IR study of an Ribonucleic acid (RNA) double helix in a water environment augmented by in depth theoretical modelling of the RNA vibrational response
The presence of an OH group attached to the 2’ position of the ribose units has a strong impact on the vibrational spectrum and the hydration pattern in which the phosphate and sugar groups serve as distinct interaction sites for water molecules
The action of the fluctuating electric force generated by low-frequency, e.g., librational motion of solvating water molecules is directly manifested in the vibrational lineshape of the backbone modes that report on local field fluctuations in the 2-3 neighboring water layers [1,2]

Summary

Introduction

We report the first ultrafast pump-probe and 2D-IR study of an RNA double helix in a water environment augmented by in depth theoretical modelling of the RNA vibrational response. RNA backbone vibrational modes of phosphate and sugar groups in the frequency range 900-1300 cm-1 are utilized to monitor solvation dynamics and molecular couplings (Fig. 1).

Results

Conclusion