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An Achilles heel shared by plants and animals

Researchers discovered that diphthamide is formed in plants and plays a crucial role in protein biosynthesis, with reduced growth rates observed when its formation is impaired. Environmental stressors such as copper and cadmium also inhibit diphthamide production, highlighting a new factor influencing plant growth rates.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Researchers uncover a major new vulnerability of childhood leukemia

A team of researchers has discovered a protein called LEDGF/p75 that contributes to the regulation of gene expression in mixed lineage leukemia. The study found that this interaction is strongly modulated by phosphorylation from an enzyme called casein kinase 2, providing a new therapeutic route against the cancer.

Study unveils novel crosstalk mechanism between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation

A recent study reveals a novel crosstalk mechanism between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation, essential for spermatogenesis. The mTOR signaling pathway helps balance the dynamic between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation, preventing negative impacts on protein quality and half-life.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

LEC: A multi-purpose tool

A new study led by Stowers Institute researchers reveals the Little Elongation Complex (LEC) as a critical component of small nuclear RNA (snRNA) transcription. LEC's unique 'Swiss Army knife' function is required for both initiation and elongation phases of snRNA transcription, shedding light on gene expression and regulation.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 8, 2013

Raising the blockade

Researchers have elucidated the function of Translation Elongation Factor P (EF-P) during protein synthesis, revealing its role in regulating protein copy numbers in response to changing conditions. EF-P helps stalled ribosomes overcome a specific proline-rich motif, allowing for adjusted protein production.

For every road there is a tire

Stowers researchers find that each class of genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II has a specific class of elongation factors, controlling which genes are transcriptionally regulated. This discovery adds a new dimension to transcriptional elongation control and has significant implications for understanding gene expression.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2011

Stowers Institute's Shilatifard Lab identifies new role for factor critical to transcription

The Shilatifard Lab discovered that ELL plays a critical role in regulating gene expression by causing temporary interruptions of Pol II transcription in fruit flies. This finding has implications for understanding the pathogenesis of childhood leukemia and developing targeted therapeutics.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2008

Not so different

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified shared components in histone and poly(A) pre-mRNA processing. These findings highlight the importance of cross-talk between distinct RNA processing pathways, shedding light on cellular regulation and gene expression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 16, 2005