page_title: RNA origami
section_title: Computer-aided design
hierarchical_section_title: RNA origami / Overview / Computer-aided design
caption_attribution_description: English: Differences in DNA and RNA Origami
context_page_description: RNA origami is the nanoscale folding of RNA, enabling the RNA to create particular shapes to organize these molecules. It is a new method that was developed by researchers from Aarhus University and California Institute of Technology. RNA origami is synthesized by enzymes that fold RNA into particular shapes. The folding of the RNA occurs in living cells under natural conditions. RNA origami is represented as a DNA gene, which within cells can be transcribed into RNA by RNA polymerase. Many computer algorithms are present to help with RNA folding, but none can fully predict the folding of RNA of a singular sequence.
context_section_description: Computer-aided design of the RNA origami structure requires three main processes; creating the 3D model, writing the 2D structure, and designing the sequence. First, a 3D model is constructed using tertiary motifs from existing databases. This is necessary to ensure the created structure has feasible geometry and strain. The next process is creating the 2D structure describing the strand path and base pairs from the 3D model. This 2D blueprint introduces sequence constraints, creating primary, secondary, and tertiary motifs. The final step is designing sequences compatible with designed structure. Design algorithms can be used to create sequences that can fold into various structures.
caption: DNA and RNA origami double cross over building block comparison.[8] The left panel is the blueprint design of a multi-stranded DX used commonly in DNA origami.  The right panel is the design of the single stranded DX by inserting hairpins, kissing loops, and dovetail seam motif.
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