The Multifunctional Role of Templates in Chemically Fueled Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries

RNA is an information-carrying molecule that instructs protein synthesis, but it also functions as a catalyst in so-called ribozymes. Here, we study this multifunctional character using a dynamic combinatorial library powered by chemical fuel. On the one hand, we demonstrate that RNA templates the oligomerization and inhibits deoligomerization. On the other hand, we show that RNA can be a structural element in the formation of hydrogels. Moreover, in its hydrogel, RNA degradation by nucleases is accelerated. Thus, templates have a role beyond blueprints, protectors, and selectors. Template-oligomer interactions can create new (micro)environments that might affect evolutionary dynamics.