Flexible RNA Elements
Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a method that is sensitive to every conformation populated by a bio-molecule in solution. SAXS is therefore ideally suited for probing molecules that inhabit a range of conformations, for example flexible nucleic acids. By pairing SAXS with novel modelling methods, we gain insight into the solution ensembles for these flexible elements. We use this technique to study a wide variety of systems, including single-stranded DNA, single-stranded RNA and RNA junction elements.
Time-resolved RNA Folding Pathways
By combining microfluidic mixing technology and custom beam line engineering, SAXS can be used to probe biomolecules as they move and function in time. We take these time-resolved snapshots, and analyze the scattering data using ensemble based modelling methods. With this combination of techniques, our lab resolves RNA folding landscapes as they evolve in time. This eclectic mix of methods result in a unique view of biological processes which is difficult to match with any other experiment.