Fig. 5: Intermolecular association of partially unfolded expHTT RNA.
From: Stick-slip unfolding favors self-association of expanded HTT mRNA
A Laminar flow microfluidics for intermolecular interactions. fHTT40 mRNA is tethered in buffer (channels i–iii) before exposure to 500 nM free fHTT40 mRNA (channel iv), where it can form intermolecular base pairs. B Example stretch (black) and relax (red) FECs in buffer (left, channel iii) and for the same molecule after exposure to free mRNA (right, channel iv). C Consecutive cycles of stretching (S1–S3, black) and relaxation (R1–R3, red) of a single fHTT40 molecule, showing (*) free RNA binding at high force; (**) release at low force; (***) unfolding and partial release at high force. D Similar experiment as in (C) with another fHTT40 molecule, showing conversion to dsRNA after (***) unfolding and full release of free mRNA; (*) binding and conversion to dsRNA during unfolding; (**) partial melting of the dsRNA at high force. Green dashed line, eWLC for double-stranded fHTT40 mRNA.
