Articles tagged with Rna Structure
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method for three-dimensional RNA structure prediction, enabling scientists to understand the functions of RNA molecules that dictate human cell behavior. The technique has the potential to help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases.
A new computational method has been developed to analyze RNA motifs, revealing new structural patterns that can help understand the role of RNA in cellular function. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for certain diseases, according to researchers at the University of Central Florida.
Researchers investigated alternative nucleic acids that differ slightly from DNA and RNA, aiming to uncover a simpler genetic molecule. TNA, with its threose sugar backbone, showed promise as an early genetic carrier, folding into complex shapes that bind to targets with high affinity and specificity.
A research team at NIST has identified the genetic structure of the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), which may play a critical role in its reproduction. This discovery could lead to new approaches for interfering with the replication of these viruses, potentially mitigating the effects of ISAV on the aquaculture industry.
Researchers at Rutgers and UMDNJ have determined the structure of a protein that recognizes viral RNA, providing unprecedented insight into fighting viral infections. This discovery could lead to the development of broad-based drug therapies to combat viral infections such as influenza, hepatitis C, and measles.
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.
Researchers found that temperature affects RNA structure, hiding or showing particular sequences that influence the recognition of intronic endings. This allows for alternative protein isoforms to be generated in response to changing temperatures.
A team of researchers has discovered a thermodynamically stable RNA nanoparticle that can serve as a platform for building larger, multifunctional nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic applications in treating cancers and viral infections.
A study by SUNY Downstate scientist Ilham Muslimov suggests that molecular competition in neuronal RNA transport may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers identified RNA motifs that act as spatial codes in nerve cells, directing RNAs to dendrites and synapses.
Scientists have developed a method to create stable three-dimensional RNA nanoparticles by modifying their chemical structure, making them resistant to RNase degradation. This breakthrough has significant implications for the use of RNA in nanotechnology applications, including targeted therapies for cancer and viral infections.
Researchers at UCLA have created a three-dimensional structural model of the RNA core domain of the telomerase enzyme, which plays a critical role in cancer cell immortality. The new model provides insights into how telomerase functions and could lead to new approaches for treating diseases associated with telomerase activity.
A new technology developed by Stanford University allows scientists to experimentally capture the global snapshot of thousands of RNA molecules in a cell. This breakthrough advances understanding of RNA's complexity and function.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a functioning genetic remnant from a time before DNA existed in the stomach bacterium Clostridium difficile. This ancient RNA complex plays a critical role in infecting human cells and regulating gene expression, challenging scientists' understanding of life's origins.
A team of scientists has identified a potential new target for treating hepatitis C by discovering an inhibitor that binds to the genetic material of the virus, causing a major conformational change that prevents replication. This finding provides a basis for structure-based design of new hepatitis C treatments.
The study reveals that RNA molecules' 3D shapes are dictated by their junctions, similar to how anatomical features define arm motion. The researchers also found that drug molecules interact with RNA in predictable ways, with size being a key factor in determining the preferred orientation.
Yale researchers discovered exceptionally large RNAs in previously unstudied bacteria, suggesting many more remain to be found as scientists explore more bacterial species. These RNAs rank among the largest and most sophisticated yet discovered, potentially acting like enzymes or carrying out complex functions.
Berkeley researchers have imaged the human RISC-loading complex for the first time, proposing a model of how small RNA molecules target specific messenger RNAs for silencing and/or destruction. This work provides new insights into RNA interference mechanisms and has significant implications for gene regulation in humans.
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.
Researchers have discovered that two noncoding RNAs, MENε and MENβ, play a critical role in maintaining the structure of paraspeckles, a compartment within the cell nucleus. This discovery sheds light on the functional roles of noncoding RNAs in regulating gene activity and responding to stress signals.
Scientists have found a way for ancient RNA molecules to fuse together naturally, forming larger fragments that can reach a biologically important size. This discovery could help explain how life emerged on Earth, with RNA molecules able to fold into functional shapes at around 100 bases long.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that specific structural parts of a viroid are responsible for its multiplication and spread in plants. The study's findings could lead to the development of genetic alterations to prevent viroid infection, with potential applications in human virus research.
Scott A. Strobel has made seminal contributions to the understanding of RNA structure and function, revealing its catalytic role through various disciplines. He will give the award lecture at the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting.
Researchers at Yale University have visualized the crystal structure of group II introns, a type of RNA that catalyzes its own removal during gene maturation. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of mRNA splicing in humans and shares a close evolutionary heritage with ancient bacteria.
Researchers used mutations of NS5A phosphoprotein to disrupt virus particle production at an early stage of assembly, preventing infectious virus release. This finding offers a research tool and potential target for developing new anti-virals for treating hepatitis C.
Researchers have discovered how life evolved from simple self-replicating molecules to complex organisms by studying a primitive fungus protein. The study shows how RNA progressed to share functions with proteins, a critical missing step in the evolution of life.
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.
The 'mica hypothesis' proposes that the narrow spaces between nonliving mica layers provided conditions for the rise of the first biomolecules. Mica's structure offers support, shelter, and an energy source for precellular life.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have identified the normal functioning of an RNA-regulating protein called muscleblind, which helps explain how myotonic dystrophy disease occurs. The study found that muscleblind binds to both normal and toxic forms of RNA, highlighting a key clue to understanding the disease.
Ten Yale researchers have been named AAAS Fellows in recognition of their distinguished efforts to advance science, including Paul Anastas and Sankar Ghosh. The new fellows will be inducted at the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting.
The algorithm introduces a new method for predicting RNA pseudoknots using heuristic modeling with mapping and sequential folding. It identifies information about flexibility and suggests that many biological RNA molecules are optimized by natural selection to fold correctly.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz determine the 3D structure of an RNA enzyme, or ribozyme, that carries out a fundamental reaction required to make new RNA molecules. The discovery provides insight into what may have been the first self-replicating molecule to arise billions of years ago.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have solved the structure of the iron regulatory protein-RNA complex, which regulates iron transport and storage in cells. The complex has two forms with distinct functions, and its unique arrangement allows it to bind RNA with high affinity.
Researchers found that the trigger loop acts like a trap door to close off the active center and form extensive interactions with NTP, ensuring accuracy. This mechanism couples NTP recognition and catalysis, explaining the high fidelity of transcription.
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.
Researchers at UCSC's RNA Center have obtained a near-atomic resolution image of the three-dimensional shape of a ribozyme, revealing how functional groups of RNA mediate acid-base chemical catalysis. This breakthrough sheds new light on the 'RNA World' hypothesis and has implications for understanding the origins of life.
A University at Buffalo medicinal chemist is working to develop rules for targeting RNA, which could lead to the design of efficient compounds to inhibit specific RNA sequences. This approach has the potential to treat diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders, offering a more targeted alternative to DNA-based treatments.
Scientists at JILA developed a method to study RNA dynamics, revealing the 'stickiness' between specific loops and sequences that stabilize folding. This information is crucial for understanding RNA structure and its effects on function.
Researchers control RNA structure by attaching DNA strands, allowing precise folding and manipulation of RNAs. The technique also enables reversible or irreversible changes to molecular shapes, offering programmability and potential applications in biological and non-biological systems.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a molecular mechanism for RNA quality control, which involves the protein Ro recognizing and binding to misfolded RNAs. This discovery sheds light on how cells handle abnormal RNAs that are not translated into proteins.
Researchers identify FMRP RNA ligands containing 'kissing complex' motifs, redirecting search for disease targets. The study also reveals a crucial link between FMRP, mRNA translation regulation and neurologic dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome.
A global team of RNA scientists will develop a common vocabulary and scientific concepts to facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing. The project aims to integrate RNA sequence and 3D structure databases to advance understanding of cellular growth and development, key to curing hereditary diseases.
Researchers have solved the structure of an essential RNA domain in telomerase, a crucial enzyme in cancer cell division. The discovery provides insights into how telomerase works and could lead to targeted drug interventions.
Dr. Maxine Singer has made significant contributions to advancing science, scientific achievements, and services to the scientific community. She was recognized with the 2004 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for her tireless advocacy for biomedical research and public trust in the scientific enterprise.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have identified a highly conserved RNA structure, known as s2m RNA, in the SARS virus. This unique feature appears to be capable of binding to proteins involved in regulating protein synthesis in cells, leading scientists to hypothesize that it may hijack the host cell's machinery for viral use.
The UCSB team has developed RNA grids with finite size and various patterns using atomic force microscopy, visualizing beautiful nano-grids and jigsaw puzzle-like structures. The researchers aim to attain total control of matter arrangement at a molecular level for applications in nanotechnology and medical testing.
Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem produced the most detailed 3-D representation of the spliceosome's structure to date, revealing a complex with two distinct halves surrounding a tunnel. The study sheds light on RNA splicing and alternative splicing mechanisms, providing new understanding of protein diversity.
Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have produced the most detailed 3-D representation of the spliceosome's structure to date. The study reveals the spliceosome has two distinct halves surrounding a tunnel, with the larger part containing proteins and RNA segments.
A research team from Purdue University has successfully created RNA-based nanoscale structures, which could be used as building blocks for microscopic machines. The researchers have developed methods to self-assemble RNA molecules into complex shapes, such as arrays that can form the scaffolding on which other components could be mounted.
Scientists at Yale University used X-ray crystallography to image the self-splicing group-I intron and its associations with metal ions. This discovery reveals an evolutionarily ancient mechanism for RNA splicing, previously thought only possible in proteins.
Ferré-D'Amaré's groundbreaking research on RNA crystallization and ribozymes has significantly advanced the understanding of molecular structures in living organisms. He developed new techniques to obtain RNA crystals, enabling detailed studies of RNA-protein interactions and biochemical functions.
Scientists have developed a method to simultaneously track gene transcription, RNA splicing, and protein translation in living cells. The technique reveals fundamental information about how genes are switched on and off in the context of living cells.
Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland discovered a molecular mechanism involving RNA structure changes that may play a role in HIV-1 viral assembly. This finding could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs by targeting these structural changes.
Researchers have developed the first mathematical theory for RNA's possible states, showing that high temperatures allow it to fold into many shapes, while low temperatures cause it to collapse. This discovery has implications for understanding protein folding and the role of RNA in early life.
Researchers have produced the first 3-D structures of poliovirus in the moments after it attaches to and enters a host cell. The structures reveal tiny adjustments in the virus's protein shell that allow it to grab onto its host receptor more tightly.
Researchers at Purdue University will study the three-dimensional structure of several types of viruses, including yellow fever and hepatitis C viruses, using a combination of X-ray crystallography and molecular biology techniques. The goal is to develop drugs that prevent infection by similar viral pathogens.
Researchers used x-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme. The active form shows how genetic mutations confer resistance to antiviral drugs like AZT by preventing nucleotide analogs from binding, allowing RT to continue making DNA for the virus.
Researchers discover shared structure among 150 enzymes, promoting transfer of acetyl group and affecting antibiotics and neurotransmitters. The discovery provides a potential solution to emerging antibiotic resistance and sheds light on the fundamental structures of proteins.