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Unraveling the complexities of the Borna disease virus 1

Researchers at Kyoto University have detailed the structure of Borna disease virus 1's nucleoprotein-RNA complex, revealing a distinct binding mode and incremental model of viral replication. The study provides a molecular framework for targeting viral RNA synthesis and assembly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Targeting the “undruggable”: New molecular degraders offer hope for aggressive breast cancer

A team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed innovative druglike molecules capable of degrading HuR, a key RNA-binding protein that stabilizes oncogenes and fuels cancer progression. These molecular degraders improve anticancer properties by up to 3-4 orders of magnitude compared to traditional HuR-binding molecules.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Deciphering the regulatory programs of RNA binding proteins in rheumatoid arthritis through single-cell transcriptome analysis

A new study using single-cell transcriptome analysis investigated the expression and dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins in rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that RBP regulation differs between RA and osteoarthritis, with specific RBPs involved in alternative mRNA splicing and translational control.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Materia Medica·DateFeb 6, 2025

Targeting tristetraprolin in basophils: A breakthrough in allergic inflammation treatment

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo discovered that tristetraprolin (TTP) regulates inflammatory responses in basophils by promoting mRNA degradation. In TTP-deficient mice, aggravated allergic inflammation was observed, suggesting TTP as a key regulator of basophil-mediated immune responses.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAllergology International·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2025

Fight against malaria takes a step forward

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have identified 898 RNA-dependent proteins in the deadliest human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. These findings could lead to novel therapeutic targets against malaria and highlight the importance of RNAs in biological pathways in the parasite.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Revolutionary genomic study sheds light on immune microenvironment in transplanted pediatric hearts

A team of researchers from Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine have made a significant discovery about the underlying molecular cell states within transplanted pediatric hearts. They found that donor-derived tissue-resident macrophages are crucial for graft acceptance, but their loss leads to allograft failure.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Low-pH-dependent RNA binding and oligomerization of SID-1 transmembrane family proteins: implications for their RNA transport activity

Human SIDT1 and SIDT2 proteins form dimers and higher-order oligomers to bind small RNAs in a pH-dependent manner, enabling their transport into the cytoplasm. This study elucidates the molecular basis of RNA uptake by these proteins, shedding light on their functional regulation.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCell Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Tiny CRISPR tool could help shred viruses

Rice University scientists developed a tiny CRISPR-Cas13 system to shred viruses by targeting RNA. The system's unique mechanism and three-dimensional structure were mapped using cryo-electron microscopy, allowing researchers to engineer it for improved precision and specificity.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Study identifies a new potential target for treating vascular disease

Researchers found that when FXR1 is absent, vascular smooth muscle cells proliferate more slowly, become senescent, and scar tissue development is reduced. This suggests that drugs targeting FXR1 may treat vascular proliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2023

Mice show METTL in DNA blood repair

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered METTL16's role in DNA repair and erythropoiesis, a process generating 200 billion new red blood cells daily. Tiny methyl groups on specific mRNAs play a pivotal role in this process, involving mechanisms mediated by RNA-binding proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

A deeper insight into the bag of tricks of bacteria

Researchers led by Cynthia Sharma explore a vast universe of RNA-binding proteins in bacteria, which play crucial roles in stress response and virulence control. The team aims to advance understanding of these proteins, revealing fundamental biological principles that could lead to novel biotechnological methodologies or antimicrobial ...

New study discovers novel inhibitory roles of hnRNPK in skeletal muscle cell differentiation

Researchers uncover the pleiotropic functions of hnRNPK in regulating skeletal muscle cell differentiation, including inhibition of myoblast differentiation and suppression of genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress. The study suggests that targeting hnRNPK could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating human disorders.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Dual action: RNA binding protein also binds DNA and acts as a damage sensor across the genome

Researchers at MUSC have discovered that hnRNP E1, a tumor suppressor protein, not only binds RNA but also DNA to maintain genome integrity and sense or prevent DNA damage. The protein's binding is sequence- and structure-specific, suggesting its potential role in preventing cancer metastasis.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Scientists reverse a key hallmark of motor neurone disease in the laboratory

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute successfully reversed a key hallmark of motor neurone disease by blocking the activity of an enzyme called VCP. This breakthrough, published in Brain Communications, suggests that the abnormal accumulation of proteins involved in RNA regulation might be a factor contributing to the disease.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Small protein, big impact

The RNA-binding protein ProQ plays a crucial role in the activation of over 250 bacterial genes, enabling meningococci to repair DNA and resist oxidative stress. Understanding its function is key to developing new antibacterial agents.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020