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Scientists reveal how cell corrects errors made in gene transcription

Researchers at HKUST elucidated the dynamics of backtracking in RNA polymerase II, revealing a stepwise process that detects mis-incorporated RNA and corrects errors. The study provides insight into fundamental mechanisms of transcription and may help understand human diseases and aging related to transcription infidelity.

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A glimmer of hope for patients with leukodystrophies

A new crucial gene, POLR1C, has been identified as the cause of nearly 10% of cases with 4H leukodystrophy, a common form of the disease. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism behind the disease and may lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.

Ebola virus may replicate in an exotic way

A study by University of Utah researchers found a unique mechanism used by the Ebola virus and other related viruses to replicate. The discovery, which was made possible through computer simulations, may lead to new targets for antiviral drugs within five to 10 years.

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In full view

Scientists have determined the complete structure of the influenza virus polymerase, a key machine that makes copies of the virus' genetic material and reads out instructions. The high-resolution structure reveals how the polymerase works as a whole, providing new insights into its function and potential targets for drug design.

Molecular engines star in new model of DNA repair

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discover how RNA polymerase patrols the genome for DNA damage and recruits partners to repair it, leading to fewer mutations and less disease. The study's findings have major implications for our understanding of DNA repair and its role in cancer and aging.

Molecular biology: Designer of protein factories exposed

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have solved the structure of RNA polymerase I, a crucial enzyme in cell growth. The study reveals details on how the enzyme regulates protein synthesis and provides potential targets for cancer treatment.

Bigger, better, faster

Researchers at EMBL have determined the 3D structure of RNA polymerase I, revealing a unique 'Swiss-army knife' strategy that allows it to produce RNA molecules faster than its counterpart, RNA polymerase II. The protein's larger size and efficiency are due to its built-in modules, which prevent the need for external recruitment.

Urgent! How genes tell cellular construction crews, 'Read me now!'

A new study reveals that DNA sequences at the beginning of genes in fruit flies contain complex instructions for RNA polymerases to read and transcribe essential genes. The findings suggest that these instructions play a crucial role in regulating gene expression during early embryonic development.

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Cellular patterns of development

A new paper in Cell Reports found that paused RNA polymerase plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during embryonic development. The study revealed that the paused state is regulated over time rather than by tissue type, and that proteins called Polycomb group help keep it in check.

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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.

Structure of a molecular copy machine

Researchers have determined the architecture of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase, revealing its molecular copy machine mechanism. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of mitochondria and their genome, shedding light on how they produce energy for cells.

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NYU Langone researchers reveal a new mechanism of genomic instability

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have discovered the cellular mechanisms that generate chromosomal breaks in bacteria. They found that collisions between major gene expression lead to chromosomal breaks, which may explain stress-driven evolution in bacteria and certain human diseases.

Proteins enable essential enzyme to maintain its grip on DNA

Researchers at Ohio State University identified a family of proteins that close a critical gap in RNA polymerase, enabling it to maintain its grip on DNA and activate genes. This discovery has implications for antibiotic development and could contribute to understanding gene expression in all living organisms.

Novel mechanism for control of gene expression revealed

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a novel mechanism for controlling gene expression, which is evolutionarily conserved in humans. This process, called transcriptional attenuation, involves the blocking of premature termination complexes to allow genes to be expressed under certain stress conditions.

UM scientists demonstrate role of RNA polymerase in gene transcription

Researchers at University of Maryland provide new insight into the initiation phase of bacterial gene transcription, showing a three-step process involving RNA polymerase and DNA bending. The study confirms experimental observations and establishes an active role for RNA polymerase in the process.

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How RNA polymerase II gets the go-ahead for gene transcription

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have detailed the process of RNA polymerase II initiating gene transcription. The complex recognizes signals in the DNA sequence and uses TFIIB to bind to the TATA box, producing a sharp kink in the DNA.

Molecular typesetting -- proofreading without a proofreader

A team of researchers at the University of Leeds has developed a model that explains how errors are corrected during protein synthesis. The study suggests that a molecular machine called RNA polymerase uses a unique mechanism to remove incorrect letters from the growing RNA chain, allowing copying to resume.

New piece found in the puzzle of epigenetics

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have identified the enzyme TFIIH kinase as responsible for selectively phosphorylating RNA polymerase II, regulating the production of specific RNA molecules. This discovery sheds light on epigenetic mechanisms and their significance in cancer and disease.

TRAPping proteins that work together inside living cells

Researchers have developed a new crosslinking method called TRAP to study protein interactions in living cells. The method uses small crosslinkers that can be controlled with light to identify proteins working together, revealing new details about RNA polymerase in bacteria.

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New gene-silencing pathway found in plants

A team led by Craig Pikaard discovered a new mechanism by which plant cells silence potentially harmful genes, involving the non-coding region of DNA and two plant-specific RNA polymerases. The research has major implications for gene therapy, where RNA-centric approaches show promise for controlling diseases such as cancer and HIV.

How 'molecular machines' kick start gene activation revealed

Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which specialized activator proteins kickstart the RNA polymerase machine, allowing genes to be activated at specific times. This process is crucial for protein production and bacterial adaptation, making it a potential target for developing novel antibacterial compounds.

Study shows how antibiotic sets up road block to kill bacteria

Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind how a specific antibiotic, myxopyronin, kills bacteria. The study found that the antibiotic binds to RNA polymerase, interfering with its ability to use DNA to start gene expression, effectively creating a road block that halts bacterial growth.

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How cell's master transcribing machine achieves near perfection

Pol II selects correct NTPs to add to mRNA chains with exquisite precision, using a kinetic selection mechanism that involves the trigger loop. The study reveals how Pol II discriminates against incorrect NTPs and sheds light on the mechanisms of fidelity in cellular genetic copying machines.

Scientists identify key roadblock to gene expression

Researchers have mapped nucleosome organization along genes in Drosophila melanogaster, revealing a critical stop sign for transcription. This discovery highlights the importance of nucleosomes in regulating gene expression and has implications for developing effective anti-viral drugs against HIV.

Evolution with a restricted number of genes

Researchers have shed new light on the role of RNA polymerase II in gene expression, revealing a complex mechanism that allows for efficient use of existing genes. The study found that phosphorylation of serine 7 at the carboxyterminal domain is essential for processing and maturation of specific gene products.

Pol3 mutation disrupts organ growth

A mutation in RNA polymerase III enzyme disrupts organ growth in zebrafish, with specific tissues like the intestine being severely affected. The study provides hope for a therapeutic application against cancer by targeting the enzyme's role in protein production.

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Researchers watch antibiotics, bacteria meet at atomic level

Researchers used powerful imaging techniques to study the atomic level interactions between bacteria and antibiotics, revealing a key enzyme structure that enables gene expression. The findings provide insights into potential new antibiotic designs that can prevent bacterial resistance.

Genome circularization and RNA virus replication

A novel mechanism of dengue virus replication has been discovered, involving the circularization of its genome. This process allows the viral RNA polymerase to interact with a distant site on the genome, initiating replication. The study's findings suggest a widespread strategy for viral RNA replication.

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Gene loops

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new mechanism for gene regulation known as 'gene loops', which play a crucial role in controlling the expression of genes. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of gene function and regulation.

Lasers help scientists delve into understanding

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to study the transcription of genes in DNA. They found that the initial and final stages of this process occur simultaneously, contradicting earlier theories that proposed separate processes for these stages.

New RNA polymerase discovered in plants

A fourth kind of RNA polymerase, Pol IV, has been found in plants, playing a crucial role in maintaining genome integrity. It helps direct DNA methylation to specific sequences, ensuring proper gene expression and preventing developmental problems. The discovery sheds light on the unique features of plant biology.

RNA inner workings partly unveiled in Stanford study

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have made groundbreaking discoveries about the structure of RNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme in gene expression. The team's findings reveal intricate details about the enzyme's interactions with helper molecules and DNA, providing a deeper understanding of transcription and protein production.

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New class of antibiotics stops pathogens in their genetic tracks

A new class of compounds called CBR703 series inhibit RNA polymerase, a key enzyme in gene expression, and hinder the ability of bacteria to perform crucial catalytic functions. The compounds render RNA polymerase useless by binding to a specific place on the enzyme.

Protein is shown to aid cell's reading of genetic code

Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a theory about how a protein complex known as FACT helps cells read their genetic code. By studying the activation of a heat-shock gene in fruit fly cells, they found that FACT and other proteins quickly move to chromosomal sites where transcription occurs.

Three-D images shed light on first steps of RNA synthesis

Rockefeller University scientists have discovered how transcription begins in bacteria, a crucial step for developing new antibiotics. The structure of the RNA polymerase holoenzyme reveals a novel protein-protein interaction that regulates transcription initiation.

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