Add BrightSurf on Google Email

RNA breakthrough provides hope for thousands of untreatable diseases

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a next-generation RNA therapeutic approach that can treat a wide range of genetic diseases by helping cells read through premature stop signals. The approach, centered on transfer RNA, has shown promise in laboratory and preclinical models of cystic fibrosis, and may be combined w...

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2026

Study explains how the Chagas disease parasite ‘activates’ its form capable of infecting mammals

Researchers discovered that Trypanosoma cruzi, the Chagas disease parasite, alters its RNA to adapt to infect mammals, a process that could lead to new treatments. The study found that modifications in transfer RNA facilitate protein production, influencing the parasite's transformation from a non-infective to an infectious phase.

The secret room a giant virus creates inside its host amoeba

Researchers discovered a subcellular environment within the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus that enables efficient translation of viral mRNAs despite mismatched codon usage with its host. This specialized environment alleviates the unfavorable translation condition, allowing for optimal viral replication.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2026

Medical School research laboratory team awarded $11.3M to study innovative tools to treat genetic disorders

A research team led by the University of Minnesota Medical School will investigate alternative genetic decoding in single-celled organisms and identify readthrough-inducing drugs to treat genetic disorders caused by premature termination codons. The goal is to restore normal function of genes and proteins in cells, potentially helping ...

Simultaneous synthesis of all 21 types of tRNA in vitro

Scientists have created a novel method to synthesize all 21 types of transfer RNA (tRNA) simultaneously in a test tube using the tRNA array method. This breakthrough allows for precise control over protein synthesis and has significant implications for the development of artificial molecular systems with self-reproducing capabilities.

SMART researchers develop first-of-its-kind RNA tool to advance cancer and infectious disease research and treatment

Researchers at SMART Alliance for Research and Technology developed a powerful tool to scan thousands of biological samples and detect transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications, which help control cell growth and response to diseases. The tool opens up new possibilities for disease research, diagnostics, and treatment development.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2025

Uncovering the structural and regulatory mechanisms underlying translation arrest

Two previously unknown ribosome-arresting peptides (RAPs), PepNL and NanCL, were identified in E. coli, inducing translation arrest through a unique mini-hairpin conformation in the exit tunnel of the ribosome. This discovery provides valuable insights into deciphering the hidden genetic codes within polypeptide sequences.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2025

Rice research team creates universal RNA barcoding system for tracking gene transfer in bacteria

A new RNA barcoding method allows researchers to track gene transfer in bacterial communities without disrupting their natural environment. The technique has potential applications in predicting antibiotic resistance outbreaks, engineering microbiomes for pollution cleanup, and programming microbes for specific tasks like producing bio...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 18, 2025

Chung-Ang University researchers unveil the biogenesis and role of transfer RNA fragments in cancer progression

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have identified a crucial role for specific tRNA fragments in cancer progression, revealing their ability to regulate gene expression and influence tumor growth. The study suggests that these fragments could serve as biomarkers for early-stage cancer detection and targets for therapeutic interventions.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

An enzyme with a smart friend

Researchers discovered that enzyme METTL6 interacts with tRNA synthetase to recognize specific tRNAs, enabling precise modification and potential application in cancer treatment. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular machinery of protein production.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

UAB researchers uncover protein SRSF1’s uncommon ability to bind and unfold RNA G-quadruplexes

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered that the protein SRSF1 can bind and unfold complex RNA Guanine-quadruplexes. This finding could provide new avenues for treating illnesses such as cancer, which is often linked to misfunctioning splicing processes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

SMART breakthrough research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite

A recent study reveals that a cellular process called transfer Ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification influences the malaria parasite’s ability to develop resistance. This breakthrough discovery could help researchers develop new drugs to combat resistance and better tools for studying RNA modifications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Structural biology: Molecular scissors caught in the act

Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Rensselaer researcher uses pressure to understand RNA dynamics

A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researcher used high hydrostatic pressure to examine conformational dynamics of human tRNA, finding excited states that play a role in both normal function and HIV infection. The study suggests new insights into RNA function and potential targets for therapeutics.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Retooling the ribosomal translation machine could expand chemical repertoire of cells

Researchers have made significant progress in reprogramming cells to supply the ribosome with building blocks other than alpha-amino acids. The ultimate goal is to make the translation system fully programmable, allowing for the production of an unlimited variety of new molecular chains with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

James Chappell wins NSF CAREER Award

James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.

Designing more useful bacteria

Scientists create modified E. coli bacteria that cannot be infected by viruses while minimizing gene escape into the wild. This breakthrough technology has implications for reducing viral contamination in biotechnology production, such as insulin production and biofuel manufacturing.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

TraffikGene gets €2.5M from the European Innovation Council to bring its technology to market

TrafikGene, led by Prof. Javier Montenegro, develops a peptide-based technology for efficient delivery of nucleic acids with potential therapeutic application. The project aims to create vehicles that facilitate selective and non-toxic delivery of nucleic acids for applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Molecules produced by cells in response to stress may be indicators of various diseases

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that certain RNA molecules called tDRs released by cells in response to stress can serve as markers of cellular stress in different diseases. The study created an atlas of stress signatures for tDRs, which can be used to diagnose and understand various conditions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Chemist targets pesky mosquitoes’ genes

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that female mosquitoes have a higher abundance of tRNA modifications than males, which could underlie factors associated with female reproduction. This study aims to develop new methods of control for mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

How to tame a restless genome

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that a protein called Asterix/Gtf1 suppresses small specific regions of mobile genetic elements by binding to tRNA molecules. This discovery could lead to understanding how cells protect themselves against these elements and potentially tame an overly restless genome.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 8, 2021

Measuring the tRNA world

Researchers have developed a method to quantify transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in cells, which can reveal insights into tRNA regulation in health and disease. The mim-tRNAseq approach accurately measures tRNA abundance and modification status, enabling the study of tRNA dynamics in different tissues and during development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 26, 2021