Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print A new control mechanism for genetic code translation discovered in bacteria

A new control mechanism for genetic code translation discovered in bacteria

February 15, 2008

Almost all organisms, from bacteria to human beings, share the same genetic code, a group of universal instructions used to convert DNA or RNA sequences into proteins, the "building blocks" of life. Identification of the evolutionary differences between the system for the translation of the genetic code in humans and other organisms, such as bacteria in this case, are useful, for example, for the design of new antibiotics. Researchers at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) have discovered that an essential molecular process, namely the determination of the start of protein synthesis, until now considered to be the same for all living organisms, differs in the bacteria Mycoplasma penetrans, a human pathogen that affects the respiratory tract. M. penetrans affects immuno-depressed patients, such as those infected by the HIV virus and some cancer patients. The results of this study have been published in the latest issue of Molecular Cell.

The leader of the study, Lluís Ribas de Pouplana, researcher at IRB Barcelona and head of the Gene Translation Laboratory, explains, "our work strengthens the theory that many of the components of the initial genetic code, established 3,500 million years ago, have matured separately between distinct branches of evolution: bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes". The origin of the genetic code is one of the issues in evolution biology in which most questions remain unanswered. "The translation machinery is so complex, so universal and so essential that it is difficult to imagine how it arose and how it has evolved. Thanks to these discoveries, we can observe that the genetic code and the protein translation system are not as universal as once thought and that some of the key components of the translation system appeared much later", concludes Ribas.




In fact, what these researchers have discovered is a difference in the mechanism used by bacteria to differentiate between methionine and isoluecine, two essential amino acids for protein formation. Specifically, methionine is the amino acid used universally to initiate protein formation.

An excessively large enzyme: a false clue for the discovery

As commonly occurs in science, the discovery of this new mechanism was by chance. The researchers were studying an enzyme called methionine-tRNA-synthetase (MetRS), which is found in all living organisms, but in the Mycoplasma bacteria it has an extension that makes it much larger. "We were studying this enzyme in order to elucidate the function of this extension", explains Ribas. The function of MetRS in all organisms is to take methionine and attach it to the RNA transcript of methionine in order to tell the cell when it must initiate the formation of a certain protein. This task is complicated because the RNA transcript of isoleucine is practically identical. "We then saw that the Mycoplasma enzyme distinguished between the RNA transcript of methionine and the transcript of isoleucine in a more simple and proficient manner that that observed to date in other organisms".

The most logical deduction was that the extension on this enzyme was a crucial part of this distinct recognition system. However, when the researchers removed this extension in the laboratory, the choice between the two RNA transcipt continued to operate flawlessly. "We still do now know the function of this extension of the enzyme in Mycoplasma, but in the meantime we have discovered a new mechanism of control in the translation system, which in addition, we have observed is shared by other bacteria". This discovery contributes to an improved understanding of the evolution of the genetic code and also demonstrates its plasticity. "In my opinion a certain degree of complexity shown by the genetic code is one of the main parameters that determines the point at which organisms begin to evolve", explains the researcher. The fundamental differences between the metabolism of human pathogens and the human being may represent the key for the development of new therapies to treat infection.

Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)



Related Genetic Code Current Events and Genetic Code News Articles Genetic Code Current Events and Genetic Code News RSS Genetic Code Current Events and Genetic Code News RSS
Scientists at UA, collaborating institutions decode maize genome
Scientists from the University of Arizona led by Arizona Genomics Institute director Rod A. Wing and from collaborating institutions have deciphered the complete genetic code of the maize plant for the first time.

DNA barcodes: Creative new uses span health, fraud, smuggling, history, more
The scientific ability to quickly and accurately identify species through DNA "barcoding" is being embraced and applied by a growing legion of global authorities - from medical and agricultural researchers to police and customs authorities to palaeontologists and others.

Jumping genes, gene loss and genome dark matter
In research published today by Nature, an international team describes the finest map of changes to the structure of human genomes and a resource they have developed for researchers worldwide to look at the role of these changes in human disease.

Genome-wide study of autism published in Nature
In one of the first studies of its kind, an international team of researchers has uncovered a single-letter change in the genetic code that is associated with autism.

Researcher Solves Mystery about Proteins that Package the Genome
A Florida State University College of Medicine researcher has solved a century-old mystery about proteins that play a vital role in the transfer of the human genetic code from one cell to another. The discovery could lead to finding new ways to help the body fight a variety of diseases, including cancer.

Novel polymer delivers genetic medicine, allows tracking
Theresa M. Reineke, associate professor of chemistry in the College of Science, and colleagues in her lab at Virginia Tech and at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new molecule that can travel into cells, deliver genetic cargo, and packs a beacon so scientists can follow its movements in living systems.

In amoeba world, cheating doesn't pay
Cheaters may prosper in the short term, but over time they seem doomed to fail, at least in the microscopic world of amoebas where natural selection favors the noble.

Genetic discovery could break wine industry bottleneck, accelerate grapevine breeding
One of the best known episodes in the 8000-year history of grapevine cultivation led to biological changes that have not been well understood - until now.

Junk DNA may prove invaluable in quest for gene therapies
Scientists have identified how a protein enables sections of so-called junk DNA to be cut and pasted within genetic code - a finding which could speed development of gene therapies.

HIV uses several strategies to escape immune pressure
A study of how HIV mutates in response to immune system pressure by Emory Vaccine Center researchers shows that the virus can take several escape routes, not one preferred route.
More Genetic Code Current Events and Genetic Code News Articles
Minerals for the Genetic Code: An Exposition & Anaylsis of the Dr. Olree Standard Genetic Periodic Chart & the Physical, Chemical & Biological Connection

Minerals for the Genetic Code: An Exposition & Anaylsis of the Dr. Olree Standard Genetic Periodic Chart & the Physical, Chemical & Biological Connection
by Charles Walters (Author)

Dr. Richard Olree believes that the key to the biological role of all trace minerals has been available to science for decades, but nobody realized it. Will his Standard Genetic Code Chart prove to be the Rosetta Stone of trace nutrients? Through sequencing the amino acids in the process of constructing proteins, Olree has traced all the elements to their participatory function in the life process. In this cutting-edge book, the connection is made between the physical, chemical and biological aspects of minerals and subatomic particles in the life process, and assignment is made of the specific mineral that governs each entry in the genetic code. This knowledge, based on peer-reviewed medical literature as well as research by forgotten innovators, suggests an end to the tyranny of...

NOVA - Cracking the Code of Life

NOVA - Cracking the Code of Life
Starring: Robert Krulwich
Directed By: Betsey Arledge; Elizabeth Arledge

Does it amaze you that yeast is your very close relative? That you possess roughly the same number of genes as a mouse? That you are 99.9% genetically identical to every other human? ABC Nightline correspondent Robert Krulwich lends a lighthearted touch to genetic science in this provocative two-hour NOVA special that takes you inside the amazing, complex and contentious race to decode the human genome.

The Human Genome Project was born in 1990, when an international consortium of labs set out to sequence all 3 billion letters of our DNA, predicting they’d finish by 2005. Halfway through their schedule, controversial scientist and entrepreneur J. Craig Venter threw the genome world into turmoil, when he announced his for-profit company Celera could finish the job in just two years....

  The World of Chemistry Volumes 23 & 24 Proteins: Structure & Function and The Genetic Code



Genetic Code #4 Emerging Artists Giclee Poster Print by Dusan Ristic, 8x10

Genetic Code #4 Emerging Artists Giclee Poster Print by Dusan Ristic, 8x10
by Art.com

Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your...

The Language of Life: Understanding the Genetic Code VHS

The Language of Life: Understanding the Genetic Code VHS
by United Learning

Become introduced to the genetic code through colorful animation and live action footage.

Genetic Code of Honor

Genetic Code of Honor
Gifted Tongue Assembly (Primary Contributor)



BioHunter

BioHunter
Directed By: Urban Vision Entertainment



Francis Crick: Discoverer of the Genetic Code (Eminent Lives)

Francis Crick: Discoverer of the Genetic Code (Eminent Lives)
by Matt Ridley (Author)

Francis Crick—the quiet genius who led a revolution in biology by discovering, quite literally, the secret of life—will be bracketed with Galileo, Darwin, and Einstein as one of the greatest scientists of all time. In his fascinating biography of the scientific pioneer who uncovered the genetic code—the digital cipher at the heart of heredity that distinguishes living from non-living things—acclaimed bestselling science writer Matt Ridley traces Crick's life from middle-class mediocrity in the English Midlands through a lackluster education and six years designing magnetic mines for the Royal Navy to his leap into biology at the age of thirty-one and its astonishing consequences. In the process, Ridley sheds a brilliant light on the man who forever changed our world and how we...

  Cracking the Ocean Code

As if proposing a unique method of cracking the human genetic code wasn't enough, Dr. Craig Venter has his eyes set on an even greater prize: decoding the sea. Viewers join The Science Channel as we climb aboard his 95-ft ship, Sorcerer, for the voyage of a lifetime in Cracking the Ocean Code. Dr. Venter believes that scientists have only scratched the surface in their understanding of ocean life. Looking to understand new tools for predicting weather or discovering a new bio-energy source, this modern day Darwin hopes to crack the DNA code of every organism in the ocean.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

  Enter the Zone, a Dietary Road Map to Lose Weight Permanently, Reset Your Genetic Code, Prevent Disease, Achieve Maximum Physical Performance, Enhance Mental Productivity
by Barry, Ph.D. Sears (Author)



© 2009 BrightSurf.com