Articles tagged with Rna Structure
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new mechanism called strand displacement, where RNA strands invade and displace each other to enable genetic expression. This finding has potential implications for designing successful drugs to target RNA-based diagnostics and treating illness and disease.
Researchers developed long-lived biological computers using RNA, which can persist inside cells. Unlike DNA-based devices, these RNA circuits are dependable and versatile, enabling continuous production in living cells.
A UC Riverside-led team developed a theory and performed simulations to understand how viruses package their genetic material. The research reveals that capsid proteins are inclined to form shells around viral RNAs due to lower stress distribution, which can aid in designing nanocontainers for drug delivery.
The study of MUNC long non-coding RNA reveals the importance of experimentally determining its structure to identify functional domains. The researchers found that two structural domains, including six common 'hairpins,' were crucial for regulating gene expression and muscle cell differentiation.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have identified the molecular mechanism behind an important form of RNA modification, which can lead to genetic disorders. The discovery could pave the way for targeted RNA modifications and gene therapies.
A new method identifies proteins binding to R-loops, revealing the role of DDX41 in regulating R-loop levels and preventing DNA damage. Elevated R-loop levels increase cancer risk.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered that specific RNA molecules can bind to and inhibit the activity of two proteins (METTL-3 and METTL-14) that drive DNA changes in leukemia. This finding provides a potential therapeutic target for treating this cancer.
A genome study found significant variation in human ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes based on geographic ancestry, particularly in the 28S rRNA segment. This discovery suggests that these variants may be important for understanding cancer development and functionally assessing their impact on ribosome functions.
Researchers found that lipids can directly modulate RNA activity, enabling potential control over RNA-lipid interactions. This could provide insights into the origin of life and aid in synthetic biology.
Biologists at the University of Leeds created high-resolution images of the foot-and-mouth disease virus, revealing fibril structures that play a key role in replication. These findings could lead to new antiviral treatments for diseases caused by the virus.
Researchers discovered that HIV chooses its viral RNA genome based on a two-nucleotide difference, which could be targeted by new drugs. This finding has implications for future HIV treatments and is an important scientific step towards understanding the virus's replication process.
A research team at Aarhus University has developed an RNA aptamer that attaches to the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, preventing it from entering human cells. This molecule is cheaper and easier to manufacture than current antibodies, making it a promising tool for detecting covid-19 infection.
Jpx RNA regulates CTCF anchor site selection and formation of chromosome loops, determining gene expression. This discovery may lead to new treatments for diseases influenced by chromatin looping.
Researchers at Duke University have identified chemical compounds that can latch onto the coronavirus's 3D RNA structures and block replication. The compounds, which target the virus's RNA specifically, offer a new mechanism of action against COVID-19.
Researchers at MIT discovered how molecular clusters in the nucleus interact with chromosomes, forming small, stable droplets that give the genome a gel-like structure. This interaction helps control gene expression and maintain stable interactions between distant regions of the genome.
Researchers have uncovered how a viral RNA changes shape to hijack host proteins, revealing the role of cryogenic electron microscopy in making this discovery possible. The study highlights the emerging power of cryo-EM to visualize multifunctional dynamic RNA structures.
Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.
Scientists at CIBFar have discovered the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2's main protease, which enables the virus to replicate in host cells. The study provides valuable insights into the process and has immediate applications for developing antiviral drugs.
Researchers created a model to estimate viral population variability using epidemiological data, predicting the emergence of novel variants. The study suggests that lack of vaccination increases mutation frequency and spread.
Researchers have developed a new way to deliver molecular therapies to cells using a programmable system called SEND, which harnesses natural proteins in the body to encapsulate and deliver different RNA cargoes. This could lead to safer and more targeted delivery of gene editing and other molecular therapeutics.
A new system developed at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory determines the 3D structures of RNA-only molecules with high resolution, applying it to a ribozyme from pond scum and a piece of viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2. The study reveals tiny pockets in the viral RNA that could be targeted for COVID-19 treatments.
Researchers have developed a method to control the degradation of messenger RNA, which could lead to more efficient biotechnological functions and improved medical outcomes. This breakthrough has potential applications in vaccine development, genome engineering, and therapeutic treatments.
Researchers have discovered how yeast cells seamlessly incorporate unnatural base pairs into their genetic code, a breakthrough that may lead to more effective next-generation therapeutics.
A new study combines experimental data and molecular dynamics simulations to study the conformation of an RNA fragment involved in protein synthesis. The research led to a new method for defining biomolecule structures in their physiological environments.
Researchers from Skoltech identified the role of distant RNA regions in regulating gene expression, revealing their impact on splicing and gene regulation.
OHIO researchers have identified a potential target for anti-viral drugs to battle COVID-19 by disrupting the viral RNA's ability to reproduce. The team found that a specific section of the RNA, called stem-loop II motif, is highly conserved and essential for the virus's replication.
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.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created data-driven movies of how RNA folds in the cell, revealing unexpected mechanisms and dynamics. These findings could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating RNA-related diseases.
Researchers from Nagoya University have determined the three-dimensional structures of RNA hybridization with artificial nucleic acids, revealing a new mechanism for stable binding. The study's findings challenge current knowledge on ribose's role in forming stable duplexes and open up avenues for novel drug designs.
Scientists have experimentally tested models of SARS-CoV2 RNA folding to reveal key regulatory elements. The research provides a foundation for understanding viral control and preparation for future 'SARS-CoV3' threats.
Researchers identified at least 87 regions in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequence that form compact structures, with at least 10% under strong evolutionary selection pressure. These structures are potential targets for small-molecule drugs and could be effective against future new virus strains.
Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a ribozyme that can transfer methyl groups to target RNAs, shedding light on an interesting aspect of evolution. The discovery may mimic a ribozyme that could have been lost in nature, and has potential applications for understanding RNA structure and function.
Researchers at UMD have developed a technique to determine the structures of large RNA molecules, enabling understanding of their shape and interactions with other molecules. This technology could lead to targeted RNA therapeutic treatments for diseases.
Researchers have identified small molecules that target the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2, interfering with viral gene expression and targeting the RNA for destruction. By attaching a molecule called RIBOTAC, which recruits an RNA-chopping cellular enzyme, these compounds can increase potency by 10-fold.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new mechanism by which microRNAs regulate protein production, potentially leading to new cancer treatments. The study focused on miR-34a, a microRNA that plays a key role in cancer by regulating the activity of the p53 protein.
The COVID-19 pandemic requires scalable testing technologies, but current methods vary widely, taking hours to complete and requiring extensive resources. Researchers assess various nucleic acid-based tests, highlighting the need for faster and more affordable alternatives.
Australian and US researchers used advanced computational methods to detect different structures of RNA, which until now could not be distinguished. The team discovered that changes in RNA structure influenced how the virus behaved, including which proteins it produced.
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.
Matthew Disney's work has led to a new understanding of druggable targets and reinvigorated research on incurable diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. His RNA-modifying tools show great applicability to cancers and rare genetic disorders.
Researchers have reported the cryo-EM structure of Remdesivir-bound RNA replicase complex from SARS-CoV-2. The study sheds light on how Remdesivir inhibits virus replication by covalently linking with the viral genome. This discovery provides a basis for designing more powerful and specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
Researchers have found that ZBP1 is activated by Z-form nucleic acids in the absence of viral infection, leading to cell death and inflammation. Endogenous retroelements may be a source of these nucleic acids, triggering this mechanism in humans.
Researchers propose that modified nucleobases could have facilitated the emergence of rudimentary self-replicating systems by stabilizing short RNA molecule structures and providing catalytic activity. This could have increased the breadth of available functions for short RNAs.
Researchers have identified a new class of RNA caps in bacteria that play a crucial role in stress response and degradation under starvation conditions. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation.
Scientists developed RADICL-seq to map genome-wide RNA-chromatin interactions, identifying distinct patterns of genome occupancy for different classes of transcripts. The study highlights the role of transcription in establishing chromatin structure and suggests a new understanding of non-coding RNA's regulatory function.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study the structure of long ribonucleic acids, which are crucial for cellular regulation. The technique involves marking specific locations on the RNA with artificial flags and measuring their distances using a molecular ruler.
Researchers at Goethe University have developed a new NMR method that allows them to follow tiny structural changes in RNA chains in real-time. This breakthrough enables the study of RNA refolding and its role in regulating transcription processes, which are crucial for cellular functions.
Researchers at SISSA developed a new method to characterize RNA's different configurations, combining experimental data and simulations to study dynamic molecular systems. The approach identifies dominant and minority structures, shedding light on the molecule's role in protein synthesis regulation.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evades detection by the zinc-finger antiviral protein ZAP. Researchers found that HIV's RNA has evolved to mimic a specific sequence, allowing it to dodge ZAP's binding ability.
Researchers have discovered a new role for Argonaute proteins in the nucleus, where they bind to enhancer regions on DNA to regulate gene expression. This finding adds to our understanding of the RNA interference pathway, which plays a crucial role in silencing specific genes.
A Northwestern University research team discovered similarities in RNA folding among riboswitches, which could impact the design of future RNA-specific therapeutics and synthetic biology tools. The findings could also inform efforts to treat diseases triggered by RNA-level misfolding.
Researchers found that RNA granules use Annexin A11 to hitch a ride on lysosomes, which are highly mobile organelles. This transportation method is crucial for RNA to reach its destination and translate into proteins, but mutations in annexin A11 have been linked to ALS.
A new AI tool called EternaBrain uses a neural network approach to predict the choices of top players in an internet-based videogame. The researchers discovered that EternaBrain outperforms random guessing and performs similarly or better than previously developed algorithms.
Most examined circRNAs form imperfect RNA duplexes that act as PKR inhibitors, but rapid degradation by RNase L triggers PKR activation. CircRNA overexpression reduces aberrant PKR activation in SLE patient-derived cells.
Researchers have cataloged circular RNA in multiple cancers and identified it as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. The stable structure of circRNA makes it an ideal candidate for detecting cancer in blood or urine samples.
Vibrations of phosphate groups allow for a noninvasive probe of ion geometries in a water environment. Researchers use two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy to map Mg2+ ions in direct contact with PO2- groups, revealing fluctuations of the contact ion pair geometry and embedding water shell.
A team of Penn State researchers found that hot temperatures lead to changes in plant RNA structure, linked to a loss in messenger RNAs. This process may help plants cope with heat stress and drought conditions, offering insights into developing more resilient crops.
Scientists have created a nanosized sensing probe for RNA molecules using DNA origami and gold nanorods. The probe can detect concentrations as low as 100 picomolar of the target RNA, making it a promising diagnostic tool for viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a statistical method to analyze millions of RNA structures, enabling them to predict functional interactions. This breakthrough aims to prevent toxic relationships between molecules that lead to disease, and potentially improve human health.
Juli Feigon, Distinguished Professor at UCLA, receives the 2019 BPS Founders Award for her pioneering work in NMR structural biology. She has made significant contributions to understanding the conformational variability of DNA and RNA, as well as the structure and function of telomerase complexes.
The study found that different shapes and formulations of nucleic acid nanoparticles triggered specific responses from immune cells, with varying effects on cytokine production. The researchers discovered an 'auxiliary' system for managing immune response, using a molecular alphabet to communicate with the human immune system.