A surprising new kind of proton transfer
Researchers found that protons can transfer without hydrogen bonds, involving significant rearrangements of molecular fragments. Methyl groups on uracil dimers played a crucial role in enabling this process.
Transfer Rna
Articles tagged with Transfer Rna
Scripps research scientists unlock evolutionary secret of blood vessels
Researchers shed light on how vertebrates developed closed circulation systems, essential for carrying blood to organs and tissues. A specific domain in tRNA synthetase plays a crucial role in proper embryonic development, influencing key regulator of new blood vessel growth.
Trapped in a ring
Researchers at EMBL and IGBMC discovered a ring-like structure in the Elongator protein complex, which holds tRNA in place while introducing chemical modifications to DNA. This ensures accurate protein production. The findings also suggest that the complex employs tools and tricks to perform its tasks inside cells.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 20, 2012
A better way to count molecules discovered
A new method for counting molecules has been developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, allowing for the accurate measurement of RNA and DNA molecules in cells. This breakthrough enables the counting of absolute numbers of molecules, rather than just relative differences between samples.
Scripps Research scientists show prions mutate and adapt to host environment
Researchers found that prions can adapt and change their properties when transferred between cell lines, evolving into more effective strains. The study suggests the normal prion protein may be an effective therapeutic target for diseases like BSE and CWD.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2010
Genetic mutations associated with increased PSA and prostate cancer
Researchers have identified genetic mutations associated with elevated PSA levels in men diagnosed with prostate cancer, offering potential new biomarkers for disease monitoring. The study's findings suggest that sequencing of selected mitochondrial regions could provide valuable information for prognosis.
Scientists ratchet up understanding of cellular protein factory
Researchers used the Encanto supercomputer to create molecular snapshots of the ribosomal subunits during protein synthesis. The study showed that head swivel motion plays a crucial role in facilitating translocation via intra-subunit tRNA hybrid sites, and a dynamic catalyst acts as a pawl in the ribosomal machinery.
Molecular fossil
Researchers at Northwestern University have produced an atomic picture showing how RNase P recognizes and cleaves transfer RNA, revealing the versatility and complexity of RNA as a catalyst. The study supports the idea that RNA played a crucial role in the emergence of life.
Researchers design a tool to induce controlled suicide in human cells
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have developed a new tool to induce controlled mutations in human cells, allowing them to study rescue signalling pathways and cell suicide. The tool helps understand the cellular response to accumulated errors in proteins, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 17, 2009
Scripps Research scientists crack mystery of protein's dual function
Researchers solved a 10-year-old mystery of how a single protein can have two distinct roles, providing insight into potential therapeutic for cancer and eye diseases. The protein, human tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TrpRS), has a functional switch that enables it to perform different functions.
Scripps Research team uncovers chemical basis for extra 'quality control' in protein production
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the chemical basis for why cells develop extra checkpoints to correct errors during protein production. The study reveals that the active site of a key enzyme, AlaRS, is flexible and can bind both larger and smaller amino acids, explaining the 'serine paradox'.
New images capture cell's ribosomes at work
Scientists have captured nanoscale movements of ribosomes, revealing a complex four-step ratcheting mechanism that interacts with mRNA and tRNA. This breakthrough could lead to more effective antibiotics and new treatments against devastating diseases like hepatitis C.
Scripps Research scientists find early evolution maximized the 'spellchecking' of protein sequences
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered that two separate functions—alanine adding and editing—were joined together in a single enzyme during early evolution. The findings show that the C-Ala domain enhances collaboration between the aminoacylation and editing domains, making them work together synergistically.
Secrets of a life-giving amino acid revealed by Yale researchers
Researchers at Yale University detail the molecular mechanisms governing selenium metabolism in the human body. The study reveals a highly specialized tRNA molecule responsible for selenocysteine production, which is crucial for recycling protective antioxidants.
Scripps research scientists observe human neurodegenerative disorder in fruit flies
Researchers have created a genetically modified fruit fly that mimics key features of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. The study may reveal new information on how the disease develops in humans and provide a tool for discovering potential new drugs.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2009
In ocean's depths, heat-loving 'extremophile' evolves a strange molecular trick
The organism Methanopyrus kandleri has a mutation that shuts down cellular activity, but an enzyme converts it back to normal. This discovery may combat viruses and provide insights into protein biosynthesis.
Penn scientists use RNA to reprogram 1 cell type into another
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a way to change one cell type into another by flooding it with specific messenger RNAs from another cell type. This approach, called Transcriptome induced phenotype remodeling (TIPeR), offers the possibility for a new type of cell-based therapy for neurodegener...
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2009
Researchers study signaling networks that set up genetic code
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified and visualized signaling pathways in protein-RNA complexes to understand how the genetic code is set in all organisms. The study uses molecular dynamics simulations and visualization software to analyze the optimal communication pathways, revealing modules and local communities ...
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2009
Scientists at CSHL uncover new RNA processing mechanism and a new class of small RNAs
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that processes non-coding RNA molecules into smaller pieces, including a new class of small RNAs called mascRNA. This discovery suggests that the vast majority of human DNA may not be genetic junk, but instead performs various kinds of work in cells.
Study reveals surprising details of the evolution of protein translation
A new study reveals that transfer RNA's (tRNA) dual functions of reading the genetic blueprint and adding amino acids to proteins evolved independently. The findings suggest that these functions were acquired at different points in time, with protein synthesis preceding the refinement of the genetic code.
Newly identified role for 'power plants' in human cells could lead to targeted therapies
Scientists identify a new role for 'power plants' in human cells, where tRNAs are imported from cytoplasm to mitochondria, offering potential therapeutic options for dozens of diseases. The discovery could lead to therapies for conditions like diabetes, hearing loss, and neurological disorders.
UC researchers find new ways to regulate genes, reduce heart damage
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified the role of transcription factors in controlling cell death in the heart, paving the way for gene regulatory therapy. They have successfully developed non-viral delivery mechanisms to transfer DNA and repress activation of specific transcription factors.
Researchers observe spontaneous 'ratcheting' of single ribosome molecules
A team of researchers has observed the dynamic, ratchet-like movements of single ribosomal molecules in protein building, revealing a key mechanism for cell survival. The spontaneous back-and-forth rotation between subunits allows the ribosome to advance along messenger RNA as proteins are built.
Researchers see history of life in the structure of transfer RNA
A new study reveals that transfer RNA (tRNA) preserves the earliest events of evolutionary history in its structure. The researchers used detailed data to reconstruct the tRNA family tree and determine the order of emergence for viruses, archaea, bacteria, and eukarya.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 6, 2008
Scripps Research scientists discover remarkable editing system for protein production
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute uncover two new methods for correcting mistakes in protein synthesis, which could help identify underlying causes of diseases. The discovery also suggests the presence of a triple redundancy system to prevent mistranslation errors.
Doing nature one better: Expanding the genetic code in living mammalian cells
Scientists have developed a method to insert unnatural amino acids into living mammalian cells, allowing for precise control over protein structure and function. This breakthrough enables the study of previously inaccessible biological questions, such as the mechanism of ion channels in nerve cells.
New compound effectively treats fungal infections
Researchers have discovered a new compound called AN2690 that effectively treats fungal infections by blocking protein synthesis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial compounds to combat antibiotic resistance.
Loss of a universal tRNA feature reported
Researchers have discovered that two alphaproteobacteria lack the universal extra guanylate nucleotide typically found in transfer RNA molecule tRNAHis, which assists in incorporating amino acid histidine into new proteins. This finding suggests a radical departure from previously known identity rules for histidine-carrying tRNAs.
A new player in nuclear import of HIV-1
A new study has identified a key player in HIV-1's nuclear import process, revealing that host cell tRNA molecules facilitate the entry of the virus's reverse transcription complex into the nucleus. This finding sheds light on the complex mechanisms by which HIV-1 integrates its genetic material into host cells.
UVA researchers find that hotel guests with colds can leave their germs behind after checkout
Researchers found that adults infected with rhinovirus, the cause of half of all colds, can contaminate hotel room objects, leaving an infectious gift for others. The study, conducted in hotel rooms, shows that viruses can survive on surfaces for at least a day.
'Sticky' mice lead to discovery of new cause of neurodegenerative disease
Researchers found that genetic instructions are not executed properly, leading to a buildup of malformed proteins in brain cells. This defect is caused by a subtle mistake in the loading of amino acids onto transfer RNAs.
'Accelerated evolution' converts RNA enzyme to DNA enzyme in vitro
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute demonstrate that RNA enzymes can be evolved into DNA enzymes with the same catalytic function, challenging existing understanding of life's origins. The study offers fresh insights into the evolutionary conversion process and its potential implications for our understanding of life.
Mispairs in genetic material make protein synthesis more efficient
Researchers have found that mispaired nucleotides, also known as wobble pairs, increase transfer RNA's ability to build proteins. This increased reactivity enhances protein production and promotes the movement of DNA and RNA molecules.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2006
Researchers find missing genes of ancient organism
Scientists have found that functional forms of missing tRNA genes can be created by copying from distant DNA sequences and joining them. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of extremophiles in the Archaea kingdom.
Iranian woman's solution to 20-year molecular riddle earns Young Scientist Award
Saba Valadkhan, an Iranian-born scientist, has solved the 20-year mystery of splicing catalysis by proving that purified U2 and U6 snRNAs have catalytic activity. Her discovery has implications for understanding cell growth control, differentiation, and disease.
Wobble hypothesis stands up, NC state researcher finds
A study published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology reveals that cellular modifications to tRNA enhance its ability to decode genetic information at the atomic level. The research supports Agris' Modified Wobble Hypothesis, suggesting that modified nucleosides enable tRNA to decode more than one DNA code.
Single genetic defect links many risk factors for heart disease and stroke
A single genetic mutation in mitochondrial genes has been found to be associated with multiple risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and low magnesium levels. The researchers also discovered a link between the mutation and other conditions such as hearing loss and weakened heart muscle.
22-amino acid bacterium created by Scripps scientists
Scripps researchers successfully engineered E. coli to produce myoglobin proteins with 22 amino acids, including unnatural O-methyl-L-tyrosine and L-homoglutamine. This breakthrough demonstrates the genetic code can be expanded beyond 20 amino acids, opening doors for novel protein designs.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2004
PTC Therapeutics' researchers identify biochemical pathway important for modulating cell growth
Researchers at PTC Therapeutics have discovered a new biochemical pathway that controls cell growth modulation. This finding has significant implications for the development of therapeutics targeting cancer cells, which rely on deregulated translation to grow uncontrollably.
Hopkins scientists overcome main obstacle to making tons of short, drug-like proteins
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have overcome a major obstacle to creating large libraries of drug-like peptides. By modifying naturally occurring amino acids with a methyl group, they can produce up to 10 billion stabilized peptides in a single reaction. This breakthrough enables the rapid testing of potential medicines and has s...
'Protein-only' prions confirmed in FSU yeast study
Researchers isolate three strains of yeast prions that transmit life-changing information in yeast cells without DNA or RNA. These protein-only particles act like genes, disrupting normal cell function and leading to the formation of amyloid plaques associated with neurological disorders.
Scientists at Scripps Research describe new strategy for the synthesis of glycoproteins
The research team, led by Chi-Huey Wong, discovered a way to make homogeneous pools of glycosylated proteins in E. coli, overcoming previous bottlenecks and challenges. This new method has the potential to be more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective than existing technologies.
Scientists at TSRI create new strain of yeast with 21-amino acid genetic code
Researchers at TSRI introduce a revolutionary method to add unnatural amino acids to the genetic code of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. This allows for unprecedented control over protein structure and function, enabling new insights into biological processes and potential therapeutic applications.
Small protein helps special RNA make repairs
Researchers have discovered that a small protein, SmpB, helps modify the structure of tmRNA to facilitate its role in repairing damaged mRNA. This process prevents the production of toxic proteins and ensures cellular survival. The study also reveals how a plant virus exploits this mechanism for its own replication.
RRF recycles form, not exact function
The ribosome recycling factor plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by disassembling the ribosomal complex after protein completion. Researchers believe RRF could be targeted for new antibiotic development to combat bacterial resistance.
Nature's own medicine for vision loss: Inhibitor of angiogenesis found by biologists at The Scripps Research Institute
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a fragment of the human protein TrpRS that inhibits angiogenesis, offering new hope for treatments of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The truncated form of TrpRS appears to be more potent than existing antiangiogenic compounds.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2002
High-resolution image illuminates catalytic engine of the ribosome
Researchers obtained the most detailed images of the ribosome's factory, where amino acids are linked into proteins. The high-resolution structure reveals that the ribosome is a ribozyme, an RNA enzyme, and provides insights into its evolution and function.
Technique shows ratcheting motion of ribosomes
Researchers used three-dimensional cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the ratcheting rotation of ribosomal subunits relative to each other. This motion facilitates translocation of mRNA and tRNA during protein synthesis.
Quality Control System Ensures Genetic Instructions Are Ready To Go
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that amino acids must attach to transfer RNA (tRNA) in the nucleus for efficient delivery out of the nucleus. This quality-control process, known as proofreading, ensures genetic instructions are complete and ready to function.
Biochemists Gain Crystal-Clear Insight into 'Ancient' Enzyme
Researchers from Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania have gained crystal-clear insight into ribonuclease P, an enzyme that forms a crucial partnership with RNA to construct proteins. The findings suggest an ancient remnant of early life's evolution when RNA molecules were enzymatic workhorses.
RNA-Dendritic Cell Combo Shows Promise As A Universal Cancer Vaccine
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a novel vaccine that uses RNA and dendritic cells to target cancer cells. The vaccine stimulates an immediate and sustained assault on human cells in test tube experiments, showing promise as a universal cancer vaccine.
Key Molecular Player In Origin Of Life Seen In Atomic Detail For First Time
A team of US researchers has cracked the three-dimensional atomic structure of a large RNA molecule, achieved after four years of research. The new image shows the densely packed and highly organized double-helix-shaped regions of the molecule, with magnesium ions providing 'glue' for its organization.