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DNA origami illuminates invisible molecular movements

Researchers at Salk Institute develop novel 'dye-cycling' strategy to measure RNA polymerase movement along DNA with unprecedented lengths of time. This breakthrough provides critical mechanical insights into how genes are transcribed in cells, shedding light on the fundamental processes of life.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports Methods·DateAug 13, 2026

Dicer: Life's ancient repair tool

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 28, 2025

Photosynthetic secrets come to light

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.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2024

Modeling the origins of life: New evidence for an “RNA World”

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

Cells of the future: A key to reprogramming cell identities

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.

Unlocking long-term genetic memory: Dormant bacterial spores offer key insights into evolutionary survival strategies

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Researchers design a pulsing nanomotor

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Collaborative research between Oxford and Diamond reveals the structure of influenza replication, unveiling new discoveries and potential drug targets

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.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalTrends in Microbiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 4, 2022

Caught on Camera: Live Imaging of Transcription Using Active RNA Polymerase II-Specific Probes

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.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

How poxviruses multiply

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

Scientists with the help of computer modeling discover a substance that blocks coronavirus

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.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalMolecules·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2021

Obstacles on the racetrack of life

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 14, 2021

Regulating the ribosomal RNA production line

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021

Cells' springy coils pump bursts of RNA

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.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 30, 2020

Virus multiplication in 3D

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell·DateDec 12, 2019

How the influenza virus achieves efficient viral RNA replication

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 3, 2019

HKUST scientists discover how RNA PoII maintains accurate transcription with super computer

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.

New function in gene-regulatory protein discovered

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.

SourceUmea University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 20, 2017