2023/04/14 by Nicolò Cangiotti, Stefano Grasso, Cangiotti, Nicolò +1
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #81T18 #82D60 #Biomolecules (q-bio.BM) #FOS: Biological sciences #RNA Research and Splicing #RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms #RNA modifications and cancer
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2304.07273
openalex publication_date 2023/04/14 · openalex created_date 2023/04/20 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
RNA folding prediction remains challenging, but can be also studied using a topological mathematical approach. In the present paper, the mathematical method to compute the topological classification of RNA structures and based on matrix field theory is shortly reviewed, as well as a computational software, McGenus, used for topological and folding predictions. Additionally, two types of analysis are performed: the prediction results from McGenus are compared with topological information extracted from experimentally-determined RNA structures, and the topology of RNA structures is investigated for biological significance, in both evolutionary and functional terms. Lastly, we advocate for more research efforts to be performed at intersection of physics-mathematics and biology, and in particular about the possible contributions that topology can provide to the study of RNA folding and structure.