Investigating RNA-RNA interactions through computational and biophysical analysis

Numerous viruses utilize essential long-range RNA-RNA genome interactions, specifically flaviviruses. Using Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) as a model system, we computationally predicted and then biophysically validated and characterized its long-range RNA-RNA genomic interaction. Using multiple RNA computation assessment programs, we determine the primary RNA-RNA interacting site among JEV isolates and numerous related viruses. Following in vitro transcription of RNA, we provide, for the first time, characterization of an RNA-RNA interaction using multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) and analytical ultra-centrifugation (AUC). Next, we report the first RNA-RNA interaction study quantified by microscale thermophoresis (MST), demonstrating that the 5’ and 3’ TR of JEV interact with nM affinity, which is significantly reduced when the conserved cyclization sequence is not present. Furthermore, we perform computational kinetic analyses validating the cyclization sequence as the primary driver of this RNA-RNA interaction. Finally, we examined the 3-dimensional structure of the interaction using small-angle X-ray scattering, revealing a flexible yet stable interaction. This pathway can be adapted and utilized to study various viral and human long-non-coding RNA-RNA interactions, and determine their binding affinities, a critical pharmacological property of designing potential therapeutics. Graphical Abstract