Helices are an essential element in defining the three-dimensional architecture of structured RNAs. While internal basepairs in a canonical helix stack on both sides, the ends of the helix stack on only one side and are exposed to the loop side, thus susceptible to fraying unless they are protected. While coaxial stacking has long been known to stabilize helix ends by directly stacking two cano...

RNA-binding proteins often contain multiple domains connected by short flexible linkers. This domain arrangement allows the protein to bind RNA with greater affinity and specificity than would be possible individual sometimes remodel its structure. It is therefore important understand how modules interact because it modular nature of these which specifies their biological function. chapter conc...