RNA folding to a specific conformation represents an essential step for the function of mRNAs. Structured elements in the UTRs of specific mRNAs can control gene expression and consequently affect physiological processes and disease onset. Today, the extent to which RNA conformational modifications impact the RNA function is still largely unexplored. RNA secondary structure (RSS) differences may have profound implications not only regarding RNA stability, protein binding and translation, but also in disease predisposition and personalized medicine.
