Articles tagged with Nucleic Acids
MIT researchers developed a new technique to produce lipid nanoparticles with precise control over size and shape, accelerating the development of RNA and DNA therapeutics. The automated system can produce particles of varying sizes and shapes, enabling targeted delivery to specific organs and tissues.
UCSB professor Max Wilson's team aims to develop a system that can synthesize DNA or RNA without chemical input, enabling faster and more efficient protein design. The project involves engineering a strain of yeast to produce light-activated polymerase enzymes responsive to specific wavelengths of light.
Scientists have found that short peptides can remain stable and fold into shapes that may give them biological functions in highly acidic conditions similar to Venus's cloud layer. This discovery opens up new possibilities for the search for life on planets that don't resemble Earth.
A new study led by the University at Buffalo sheds light on RNA's ability to form droplets, which may have helped give rise to the first cells. The study found that a tiny chemical difference between RNA and DNA enables RNA to more readily organize into droplets, particularly at high temperatures.
Evo 2 analyzes and generates DNA sequences across various forms of life, marking a major step toward unified AI for biology. The model can predict harmful genetic variants and generate biologically realistic DNA.
Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based method to control protein production in cells by targeting ribosomal RNA. This method, known as TAPIR, has been shown to increase protein synthesis and promote the growth of cancer cells. The results offer new insights into stem cell biology and disease-relevant processes.
Researchers have created a single-dose DNA method that produces weight loss and blood glucose control in murine models lasting up to 10 times longer than current therapies. The approach delivers instructions to cells to produce long-acting incretin hormones, eliminating the need for repeated dosing.
Researchers have developed a new gene editing technology called 'prime assembly' that allows efficient insertion of large DNA segments into the human genome. This innovation enables treatment of genetic diseases by replacing entire genes, promising substantial progress in treating conditions with multiple mutations.
A new technology allows for the efficient insertion of large DNA segments, enabling a 'chapter rewrite' in the genome. This method avoids double-strand breaks and can correct hundreds of mutations simultaneously.
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has discovered diverse organic molecules on Mars, including chemicals that could be signs of ancient life. The findings suggest the Martian surface can preserve molecules that could serve as building blocks for life.
Researchers have identified a framework to characterize RNA structure-changing small molecule drugs, which could lead to the development of better treatments targeting RNA directly. The study found that molecules binding to RNA rarely affect its function, while those altering its structure have a bigger impact.
Claudia Höbartner has made two significant breakthroughs in catalytic nucleic acids: determining the structure of a DNAzyme and identifying a ribozyme capable of transferring methyl groups. These discoveries have opened up new insights into molecular mechanisms and applications for synthetic biology
Researchers discovered that PFK, a key sugar-processing enzyme, has a hidden function controlling cell division by unwinding RNA and promoting gene translation. The enzyme's ability to bind and unwind RNA was found to be crucial for cell cycle progression, with cells lacking PFK2 showing slowed growth and division issues.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new technology that uses thioguanosine to achieve highly efficient and controllable interstrand crosslinking of DNA. This breakthrough enables reversible DNA modification with high stability and reversibility, opening opportunities for next-generation bionanomaterials.
Researchers identify circulating extracellular vesicles produced in diseased kidneys as the culprit behind toxicity in the heart. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify patients at high risk for serious heart problems and novel treatments to prevent and treat heart failure.
The study created a critical framework for understanding the architecture of the genome and its association with gene function in cells. The 4DN Consortium integrated data from over a dozen techniques to compile an extensive catalogue of looping interactions between genes and regulatory elements.
Researchers have discovered that stress hormones can silence crucial neuronal genes by interacting with long noncoding RNAs and the polycomb repressive complex 2. This mechanism may provide a new understanding of how stress affects gene expression, particularly in relation to synaptic function and calcium signaling.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new CRISPR delivery system that triples efficiency using DNA-wrapped nanoparticles, improving safety and effectiveness. The new system, called LNP-SNAs, targets specific cells and tissues, reducing toxicity and boosting gene-editing efficiency by threefold.
Researchers at UCL successfully chemically linked amino acids to RNA under conditions that could have occurred on early Earth, a significant step towards understanding the origin of protein synthesis. The study demonstrates how RNA might have first come to control protein synthesis.
Researchers have created a new family of RNA-editing tools that utilize an RNA-targeting activity found in the CRISPR-Cas9 tool, allowing for precise and versatile genetic surgery at the RNA level. The tools show great promise in curing rare genetic diseases and promoting wound healing.
Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.
Researchers have identified hundreds of RNA regulatory switches in living cells that can be used to develop new treatments for diseases. The discovery, published in Nature Biotechnology, uses a novel method to map the complex structures of RNA molecules and uncover functional switches with high accuracy.
Researchers developed a lyophilized open-source RT-LAMP assay for pathogen detection, making diagnostics more accessible and affordable globally. The assay is heat stable, requires no cold chain, and can detect various pathogens with high sensitivity.
Scientists have discovered that repeat RNAs aggregate inside droplets but can be disassembled with an engineered piece of RNA. The study sheds new light on how these clusters form within biomolecular condensates and presents a potential therapeutic application.
The study reconciles two closely related mechanisms in transcription, revealing they are deeply intertwined with shared driving forces. The findings suggest that while transcription can occur via both mechanisms, phase separation does not necessarily offer increased activity, but rather dampens it.
Diagnostics.AI has launched the industry's first fully-transparent machine learning platform for clinical real-time PCR diagnostics, delivering algorithmic transparency and per-test auditability. The platform is CE-IVDR certified and backed by over 15 years of experience and millions of successfully processed samples.
Researchers have elucidated the molecular mechanism by which LEM-3 cuts DNA bridges during cytokinesis, a crucial step in cell division. The study found that LEM-3 is essential for resolving persistent DNA bridges and maintaining chromosomal stability.
Scientists at HIRI develop peptide nucleic acid-based compound FUS79, which inhibits Fusobacterium nucleatum growth and exhibits strong activity against five fusobacterial strains without affecting other bacteria. This breakthrough has potential to accelerate research in targeted antibiotics for cancer treatment.
Researchers developed fluorescent polyionic nanoclays that can be customized for medical imaging, sensor technology, and environmental protection. These tiny clay-based materials exhibit high brightness and versatility, enabling precise tuning of optical properties.
Researchers developed a new tool called SigRM to analyze single-cell epitranscriptomics data, enabling the study of RNA modifications in individual cells. This can provide valuable insights into gene regulation and its impact on health and disease, particularly in complex conditions like cancer.
Scientists have captured 3D snapshots of individual RNA nanoparticles in motion, showcasing the dynamic and intricate folding process. This breakthrough uses advanced electron microscopy to study RNA's flexibility, enabling new insights into its structure and potential applications in molecular medicine.
A team at Penn State developed an experimental pipeline called Cleavage High-Throughput Assay (CHiTA) that can test the activity of thousands of predicted twister ribozymes. The study identified approximately 94% of tested ribozymes as active, revealing their function can persist even with slight imperfections.
Researchers humanize the lupus-derived autoantibody 3E10, preserving its therapeutic efficacy, to create novel cell-penetrating antibodies targeting tumors and RAD51. Humanized variants exhibit faster cell uptake and superior in vivo tumor targeting.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found compounds in nucleic acids from salmon DNA and torula yeast RNA inhibit cancer cell growth. These compounds may prevent cancer by stopping cell replication.
A team of researchers developed a new chemical reaction to synthesize ADP- and ATP-containing molecules with high yields, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The reaction uses a hydrolysis-stable reagent and achieves reproducible access to these molecules.
Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.
The NIH and NSF have partnered to provide funding for RNA research, focusing on structures, functions, and interactions of ribonucleic acid (RNA). Research groups will explore RNA sequencing, mapping of RNA modifications, and development of RNA-based technologies.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed SeekRNA, a programmable tool that can precisely target and relocate genetic sequences with high accuracy and flexibility. This breakthrough technology surpasses current limitations of CRISPR, enabling more precise editing and reducing errors.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel method for preparing ribonucleic acid (RNA) containing modified bases using engineered DNA polymerases. This opens the door to applications in chemical biology and therapeutic applications, including mRNA drugs.
A specific protein, TRBP, regulates the balance between apoptosis and interferon response to suppress viral replication. This study sheds light on a previously unclear mechanism of defense against viruses in mammalian cells.
Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a way to deliver antisense oligonucleotides to their targets inside cancer cells by opening specific calcium permeable channels. The new compound, L687, promotes efficient uptake of ASO into cancer cells, suppressing target gene activity and enhancing ASO efficacy.
Researchers at Salk Institute unveil an RNA enzyme that can accurately copy functional RNA strands and allow new variants to emerge over time. This discovery brings scientists closer to producing autonomous RNA life in the laboratory, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of the origins of life.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's annual meeting features a stimulating group of high-profile speakers discussing various topics including climate change, microbial communities, and RNA regulation. The conference includes plenary sessions, award lectures, and other exciting events.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered a breakthrough approach to stabilize aptamers using ionic liquids. The team found that these liquid-based environments can shield nucleic acids from enzymes, preserving their functions up to 6.5 million times longer than conventional methods.
A novel synthesis method enables easy linkage of therapeutic oligonucleotides to peptide markers, streamlining the process and making it more accessible and cost-effective. This breakthrough has the potential to produce more effective and targeted RNA-based drugs.
The research team led by Michal Hocek successfully pushes the boundaries of DNA structure and function. They demonstrate that heavily modified double helices are stable enough to be used in medicine, mimicking natural molecules with therapeutic potential.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified a novel mechanism by which GREB1 Isoform4 is involved in pyrimidine synthesis and causes malignant melanoma. The study found that GREB1 Is4 promotes cancer cell proliferation and regulates pyrimidine metabolism, suggesting it as a new therapeutic target for melanoma.
Researchers have developed a novel DNA-filtering system using α-hemolysin nanopores to reduce contamination in single-molecule DNA extraction. The technique, which uses phospholipids and the PCR clamp method, achieved a 99.98% reduction in DNA contamination.
The study identifies 1,074 semi-extractable RNAs potentially involved in phase-separated membraneless organelles. These RNAs are enriched in repressed heterochromatin regions and act as hubs for RNA-RNA interactions.
Researchers have developed a new method to manipulate the shape of double-stranded DNA, known as triplex origami, which can create compacted structures with unique properties. This breakthrough has implications for gene therapy, nanoscale materials engineering, and our understanding of biological processes.
A new research centre will focus on developing new types of RNA medicine for treating metabolic diseases. The centre, led by Professor Jørgen Kjems at Aarhus University, aims to create targeted treatments for conditions like diabetes and atherosclerosis.
The iPODs system enables rapid-results testing with reduced error, cross-contamination, and sample loss by automating droplet transfer. The device shows strong linearity in bacterial detection, with an R-squared value of 0.999, making it accurate for point-of-care testing.
A team of researchers developed a simple and portable test system to detect salmonella in food, eliminating the need for expensive analytical equipment. The assay uses a nucleic acid probe that is cleaved by an RNase enzyme specific to salmonella, resulting in a clear red spot on an absorbent pad indicating contamination.
Researchers develop a new technique to measure blood attenuation using a fluorophore-coated guidewire, improving the accuracy of near-infrared fluorescence in cardiovascular imaging. The method provides accurate information on vessel walls and outperforms existing correction methods.
A new DNA biosensor developed by NIST, Brown University, and the French government-funded research institute CEA-Leti boasts accurate and inexpensive design. The modular device can measure biomarkers in a scalable and high-sensitivity manner.
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
Nucleic acid therapies aim to treat genetic disorders and diseases, but delivering therapeutics is a significant challenge. Researchers are investigating nanoparticle delivery systems to target specific cells and sub-cellular compartments for effective delivery.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an easy and inexpensive method for linking molecules to DNA sequences with desired functions. The method uses sulfonyl azides to introduce various functionalities, avoiding the need for expensive and unstable special phosphoramidites.
Researchers developed a method for detecting cancer miRNA patterns using DNA computing technology, enabling simple and early cancer diagnosis from liquid biopsies. The technology uses nanopore decoding to recognize cancer-specific expression patterns even at extremely low concentrations of miRNA.