Articles tagged with Rna Polymerases
A study from UMBC reveals a conserved RNA-protein interaction as a promising target for broad-spectrum enterovirus antivirals. The researchers found that a fusion protein called 3CD recruits proteins to assemble the replication complex, and targeting this interface could lead to universal drugs.
A team of scientists has found that Dicer, an ancient protein, plays a vital role in resolving conflicts between transcription and replication processes in the genome. Without Dicer, T-R collisions lead to DNA damage, mutations, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of Dicer in maintaining genome stability.
Researchers have identified CDX1 and CDX2 as key molecules that counteract β-catenin and suppress stemness in colon cancer. Deletion or overexpression of these proteins increased tumor aggressiveness and expression of cancer stemness-related genes, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A new study reveals how enzyme RapA prevents R-loop formation in E. coli, a key mechanism for maintaining genomic stability. The findings suggest that RapA works as a complementary safeguard to Rho, another enzyme that pulls apart harmful R-loops.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have identified liquid-like condensates as replication hubs for human norovirus. These biomolecular structures are dynamic and can merge or divide, exchanging materials with their surroundings.
A team of researchers captured the first-ever view of the E. coli RNA polymerase (RNAP) opening the transcription bubble using cryo-electron microscopy analysis. The study reveals a sequence of events showing how RNAP interacts with DNA strands as they separate, at unprecedented levels of detail.
Researchers at Rice University discovered two types of motorized chain models: swimming motors and grappling motors, which manipulate chromosome structures. The study reveals how these proteins impact ideal polymer chains, leading to contraction or expansion depending on forces exerted.
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.
Researchers at John Innes Centre used cryo-EM to visualize the structural architecture of chloroplast RNA polymerase and build a detailed atomic model. The study reveals new insights into transcription, a fundamental step in making photosynthetic proteins, and how these proteins interact with DNA and mRNA.
A new study reveals that backtracking, a molecular event, occurs frequently throughout the genome and influences thousands of human genes. Persistent backtracking is linked to various biological processes, including cell division and tissue development.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered a new relationship between DNA replication timing and cellular plasticity, allowing for the potential reprogramming of cells. The study found that the three-dimensional structure of the genome influences the flexibility of the replication timing program.
Researchers discover a central chromosomal domain that enables dormant spores to revive and activate essential genes, shedding light on bacterial survival in harsh conditions. The study's findings have broader implications for sustaining long-term transcriptional programs across diverse organisms.
The novel nanomotor performs pulsing movements using a clever mechanism, fueled by nucleotide triphosphates, and can be easily combined with other structures. The researchers plan to install the motor as a drive in complex machines and optimize its performance.
A study by Indian Institute of Science researchers found that enhanced recombination in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant resulted in new mutations affecting viral proteins, particularly those involved in host-cell binding. These mutations enabled the virus to evade immune defenses and infect host cells more efficiently.
Researchers estimate transcription error rates in human cells and identify genetic and epigenetic factors responsible for inaccuracies. Inaccurate transcription produces truncated or altered proteins, leading to disease.
Structural insights from collaborative Oxford-Diamond research reveal new potential drug targets for novel antiviral drugs. The study elucidated how the viral polymerase interacts with cellular proteins, including ANP32A, and appropriates it to shelter viral RNA from detection by the immune system.
Researchers from the University of Bayreuth have shown how RNA polymerase II is activated in nerve cells, stimulating gene expression. They discovered that enhancer RNAs play a key role in activating Pol II by detaching NELF from it.
Scientists have discovered a promising strategy to treat Ebola virus infections by targeting cellular protein GSPT1, which the virus hijacks for polymerase function. An experimental drug CC-90009 degrades GSPT1, halting viral multiplication.
A new protein called NDF has been discovered to enhance gene activation and may be involved in diseases like cancer. Found in all human tissues, NDF works by stimulating RNA polymerase elongation, a key step in gene expression.
Researchers discovered that combining polymerase and exonuclease inhibitors reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication by 10 times more than single polymerase inhibitors. This combination approach has great potential to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a genetically encoded probe to visualize active transcription sites in living cells. The probe successfully identified phosphorylated Ser2 in RNA polymerase II, allowing for the localization of elongation phase transcription sites in real-time.
Scientists discover that small RNAs recruit RNA Polymerase V to initiate DNA methylation, enabling crop breeders to avoid silencing from the start. This finding has substantial implications for reducing the cost and effort of producing transgenic crops.
Scientists have identified the molecular origins of recombination in RNA viruses, a process that can lead to the emergence of new variants. The study reveals a new class of antiviral drugs that target this mechanism, but warns of potential risks when used in large quantities.
Researchers have successfully reconstructed the atomic structure of poxvirus RNA polymerase, which can produce mRNA independently. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and a better understanding of zoonotic diseases.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute elucidated the molecular mechanism of Molnupiravir, an antiviral agent that reduces Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus transmission. By incorporating RNA-like building blocks into the virus genome, Molnupiravir prevents further replication and transmission.
Researchers at South Ural State University used computer modeling to identify a substance that can block the spread of coronavirus. The study found that ligands must match RNA polymerase as closely as possible to be effective, and scientists have developed an equation to test other ligands' effectiveness on receptors.
A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.
The study reveals that lysine residues in the RNA polymerase act as a 'bucket brigade', transporting drugs and nucleotides to the binding site through electrostatic interactions. Favipiravir is found to be taken up more efficiently than ATP, while remdesivir outperforms favipiravir.
Researchers discovered that the protein SPT6 is essential for the arrival of RNA polymerase at the end of a gene, producing functional mRNA. Without it, the polymerase destroys obstacles, making it impossible for functional RNA polymerases to find their way.
Thomas Jefferson University researchers identified a highly efficient human reverse transcriptase, polymerase theta, which can convert RNA sequences back into DNA. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that polymerases only work in one direction and has implications for various fields of biology.
CSU researchers have observed early RNA transcription dynamics by recording where, when, and how RNA polymerase enzymes kick off transcription. The breakthrough technology has far-reaching potential, including sharpening understanding of basic biological processes and unveiling genetic underpinnings of certain diseases.
Scientists have isolated a genetic clue in the form of an RNA polymerase enzyme that offers new insights into the origins of life. The discovery provides evidence for the RNA World Hypothesis, suggesting that self-replicating RNA molecules were capable of driving chemical reactions essential for life.
Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery of how living organisms distinguish RNA and DNA building blocks during gene expression. The discovery enables the design of more effective antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA polymerases.
Cryo-electron microscopy study reveals how an enzyme synthesizes ribosomal RNA at different speeds depending on the bacteria's growth rate, providing insights into the regulation of this process and its importance in E. coli cells.
Researchers found that remdesivir interferes with the viral polymerase after a delay, causing it to pause rather than block replication entirely. The study opens opportunities for scientists to improve the drug and develop new compounds to stop the virus's copying machine.
New research reveals that Rho protein 'hitchhikes' on RNA polymerase for the duration of transcription, cooperating with other proteins to eventually coax the enzyme through structural changes. This process refutes traditional understanding of how Rho stops gene expression.
Researchers discovered a unique RNA polymerase in crAss-like phages that helps transcribe its genes. The enzyme was found to be inactive in standard tests but active when exposed to specific conditions, revealing new insights into the mechanism of viral infections.
Researchers found that RNA polymerase II enables ribosomal RNA gene expression, a key step in creating molecular complexes that produce proteins in all cells. The enzyme generates R-loops to shield these genes from disruptors produced by Pol I.
Researchers have imaged remdesivir bound to SARS-CoV-2 viral polymerase, revealing precise residues that interact with RNA and the antiviral drug. This detailed information will inform efforts to design more effective therapies that mimic nucleosides to disrupt viral replication.
Researchers have discovered that remdesivir blocks the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme required for viral replication. This finding supports the use of this drug as an experimental treatment for COVID-19 and could lead to the design of more effective future drugs.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical model explaining how RNA polymerase enzymes trigger bursts of RNA production in cells. The model suggests that DNA supercoils, like springs, are involved in the process, with RNA polymerases compressing and releasing tension to regulate protein production.
Researchers have successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of a vaccinia virus RNA polymerase at atomic resolution, providing key findings on virus multiplication. The complex is composed of various subunits and relies on host tRNA molecules to function, enabling an essential step in the pathogen's life cycle.
Scientists at the University of Exeter's Living Systems Institute have discovered a fresh understanding of how genes are copied, shedding light on the transcription process. The study suggests that two long-debated models work together to terminate gene expression, providing a more accurate explanation for this complex process.
New insights into the influenza virus polymerase have revealed that its subunits co-evolve to guarantee proper levels of dimerization and optimal inter-subunit cooperation. This finding has significant implications for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA replication.
A study from IRB Barcelona describes the reaction mechanism of DNAzymes, which catalyse RNA ligation through a similar mechanism to natural enzymes. The discovery may lead to improvements in current catalysers and the design of novel biocatalysers formed by DNA.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes reveal acetylation and phosphorylation tag-team to guide RNA polymerase through transcription steps. This regulation enables cells to efficiently coordinate gene expression and respond to external stimuli.
A research team led by Prof. HUANG Xuhui discovered the mechanism of RNA polymerase II correcting errors in RNA synthesis, which relies on the RNA itself rather than amino acid residues. This finding offers insights into how transcription may go wrong in ageing and diseased cells, potentially leading to various human diseases.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring antibiotic called kanglemycin A that is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including drug-resistant strains. The compound maintains its activity by binding to bacterial RNA polymerase and preventing RNA production.
Researchers have determined the molecular target and mechanism of action of fidaxomicin, a front-line antibiotic for treating Clostridium difficile infections. The study reveals that fidaxomicin inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase through a unique binding site and mechanism, allowing it to target resistant strains.
Researchers at Penn State revealed new insights into the 'magic spot' molecule that controls gene expression in bacteria under stress. The study provides clues about key processes that could be targeted in the search for new antibiotics and contributes to fundamental understanding of bacterial adaptation and survival.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding how transcription is terminated, revealing key components and mechanisms involved. The study used gene editing approaches to identify the molecular torpedo that stops RNA polymerase, shedding new light on this fundamental biological process.
Researchers used magnetic tweezers to monitor RNA polymerase enzymes during replication, revealing a new class of antivirals that pause and backtrack the virus' machinery. This understanding can help fine-tune drug design and accelerate approval.
A team of researchers has discovered a new function of the gene-regulatory protein CBP, which affects the recruitment and release of RNA polymerase from genes. This finding enhances our understanding of gene regulation and provides insights into why CBP is often affected in certain forms of cancer.
A team of researchers at Penn State University has discovered a new pathway for nonstandard RNA transcription using high-resolution crystal structure. This finding provides insights into the mechanism of reiterative transcription, which plays a key role in controlling gene expression.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new antibiotic, pseudouridimycin, effective against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant bacteria. The compound inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase through a unique mechanism, exhibiting no cross-resistance with existing antibiotics.
Recent research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals that polymerase pauses prevent other machines from immediately following, thereby controlling the flow of genetic information. Paused polymerases keep new polymerases from initiating transcription, maintaining a controlled pace during gene expression.
A recent study by Robert A. Martienssen's team reveals that RNA interference (RNAi) is essential for quiescent cells to maintain their state, preventing the accumulation of heterochromatin and promoting cell survival.
Researchers at Colorado State University have designed a genetic modification that strips the ability of coxsackievirus B3 to replicate and cause disease. By changing a specific amino acid in the RNA polymerase enzyme, they aim to create a live-attenuated vaccine to protect against this virus and others like it.
The Rutgers scientists reveal how a transcription activator protein interacts with RNA polymerase and DNA to initiate transcription. The discovery provides a molecular picture of transcription activation at a target promoter.
The study provides unprecedented molecular views of the critical early events in gene expression, positioning RNA polymerase to start transcription. The researchers captured human PICs in three functional states, revealing new structural elements and insights into DNA engagement, promoter melting, and transcription bubble stabilization.