Base modifications shift tertiary structure and activity in synthetic RNA origami and a natural ribozyme
Ewan K. S. McRae
Nature Communications, Published online: 13 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72891-x Modified RNA bases can improve therapeutics, but their structural effects are unclear. Here, the authors show that common base modifications reshape RNA folding and activity by shifting tertiary interactions in a synthetic RNA nanostructure and a natural ribozyme.