Fluorescent Modifications of Transfer Ribonucleic Acids

Modifications of transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNA's) have been accomplished by chemical and enzymatic methods. The chemical modification has involved the reaction of methylmalondialdehyde (MMDA) with E. coli tRNA('Phe) with the hope of extending the use of substituted malondialdehydes and investigating their applicability as probes of the structures and functions of RNA molecules. 1,N('2)-(2-Methylallylidene)guanosine ((mu)-guanosine) is the product of MMDA and guanosine. This compound has been characterized by ultraviolet, fluorescence, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We have shown that reaction of MMDA with E. coli tRNA('Phe) occurs and that, at least to some extent, products with fluorescent properties similar to those of (mu)-guanosine are formed. The primary site of modification has been rigorously identified as either the X-nucleoside or the 7-methylguanosine in the variable loop of tRNA('Phe). The modified tRNA('Phe) can be aminoacylated to the extent of 20% as compared with the unmodified tRNA('Phe).

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biochemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Hinterberger, Monique Humbert

• Chemistry, Biochemistry

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8108538

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/67404