# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
RNA’s diversity of structures and functions impacts all life forms since primordia. We use calorimetric force spectroscopy to investigate RNA folding landscapes in previously unexplored low-temperature conditions. We find that Watson–Crick RNA hairpins, the most basic secondary structure elements, undergo a glass-like transition below TG ∼ 20 ◦C where the heat capacity abruptly changes and the RNA folds into a diversity of misfolded structures. We hypothesize that an altered RNA biochemistry, determined by sequence-independent ribose–water interactions, outweighs sequence-dependent base pairing. The ubiquitous ribose–water interactions lead to universal

RNA phase transitions below TG, such as maximum stability at TS ∼ 5 ◦C where water density is maximum, and cold denaturation at TC ∼ −50 ◦C. RNA cold biochemistry may have a profound impact on RNA function and evolution.

# metadata.dc.relation.ispartof[].value
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America - PNAS, 2024, vol. 121, num.34

# metadata.dc.rights[].value
cc by-nc-nd (c) Rissone, Paolo et al., 2024

# metadata.dc.source[].value
Articles publicats en revistes (Física de la Matèria Condensada)