Interaction of RNA with phospholipid membranes

RNAs binding with liposomes under near physiological conditions were obtained by molecular selection. Structural analysis showed that the RNAs could form complexes owing to complementary sequences located in loops. Oligomerization of the RNAs selected was experimentally confirmed. The results and published data testified that formation of high-molecular-weight complexes is a major mechanism increasing the RNA affinity for phospholipid membranes. The role of RNA-membrane interactions in early evolution is discussed in terms of the RNA world hypothesis.