Studies of the Structure of RNA and its Binding Proteins
{'Code': '08070400', 'Directorate': {'Abbreviation': 'BIO', 'LongName': 'Direct For Biological Sciences'}, 'Division': {'Abbreviation': 'MCB', 'LongName': 'Div Of Molecular and Cellular Bioscience'}}
{'SignBlockName': 'Kamal Shukla'}
The integrity of genetic transfer in biological systems                         depends upon the fidelity with which amino acids are                            transferred onto specific transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules which                   are subsequently engaged in protein synthesis.  This coupling                   is carried out by means of a large heterogenous class of                        proteins called aminoacyl tRNA synthetases.  The twenty                         different amino acids each have their own subfamily of tRNA                     molecules and their own synthetases as well.  Even though a                     great deal is known about the three-dimensional structure of                    tRNA, there is still uncertainly concerning the manner in                       which the tRNA molecules combine with such great specificity                    with their corresponding synthetases.***                                                                                                                        The goal of this project is to study the three-dimensional                      structure of RNA molecules in various conformations, either                     alone or complexed to proteins.  X-ray diffraction analysis                     of crystals is the major technique being used.  Dr. Rich will                   undertake an examination of the manner in which the                             nucleotide sequence of RNA plays a role in governing its                        three-dimensional conformation.  He also plans to investigate                   the nature of the interactions between proteins and RNA                         molecules.***
{'FirstName': 'Alexander', 'LastName': 'Rich', 'EmailAddress': 'cbeckman@mit.edu', 'StartDate': '09/01/1988', 'EndDate': None, 'RoleCode': 'Principal Investigator'}
{'Name': 'Massachusetts Institute of Technology', 'CityName': 'Cambridge', 'ZipCode': '021394301', 'PhoneNumber': '6172531000', 'StreetAddress': '77 MASSACHUSETTS AVE', 'CountryName': 'United States', 'StateName': 'Massachusetts', 'StateCode': 'MA'}
[{'Code': '1164', 'Text': 'MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS'}, {'Code': '9120', 'Text': 'CROSS-DIRECTORATE PROGRAMS'}, {'Code': '9145', 'Text': 'SPECIAL PROGRAMS-RESERVE'}]
{'url': 'https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/download?DownloadFileName=1988&All=true', 'xml': '8807964.xml'}