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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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 11, 2014

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.

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.

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.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2011

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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2008

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 2007

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 7, 2005

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2004