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Computational chemistry and supercomputers to help understand the mechanisms of life

A new study from IIT, Uppsala University, and AstraZeneca uses computational chemistry and supercomputers to better understand splicing, a key process in gene expression. The results provide precise insights into splicing dynamics and help explain previously difficult-to-interpret data.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2026
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Splicing twins: unravelling the secrets of the minor spliceosome complex

Researchers in the Galej Group at EMBL Grenoble have provided new structural insights into the U11 snRNP subunit of the minor spliceosome, revealing its ability to specifically identify rare substrates. The study sheds light on the complex assembly pathway of the minor spliceosome, which is critical for processing minor introns in genes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Spliceosome: How cells avoid errors when manufacturing mRNA

Researchers at Heidelberg University have successfully depicted a faultily 'blocked' spliceosome and reconstructed its recognition and elimination process. This breakthrough provides new insights into the quality control mechanism of the complex molecular machine, shedding light on how cells ensure accurate mRNA production.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 7, 2025

Slow editing of protein blueprints leads to cell death

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism that interferes with the splicing process in a more subtle way, leading to cell death. The study reveals that spliceosome subunits U4, U5, and U6 are normally stabilized by protein USP39, but when mutated or absent, stability is compromised, causing incorrect connections during splicing.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024
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First blueprint of the human spliceosome revealed

The study reveals individual components of the spliceosome are highly specialised, with unique regulatory functions. Altering the expression of one component can have widespread ripple effects on the entire splicing network.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2024

RNA splicing’s spotters

A study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered two regulator proteins that work together to keep the splicing process on track. The research, led by Professor Adrian Krainer, identifies SRSF1's interactions with other proteins, providing new insights into how this critical regulator works.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2024

UC Santa Cruz study discovers cellular activity that hints recycling is in our DNA

Researchers discovered that spliceosomes, responsible for removing introns from genes, can remain active and engage with removed introns, potentially reinserting them into the genome. This finding suggests a possible role of spliceosomes in our DNA recycling and adds complexity to the genome.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2024
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Mechanism discovered that protects tissue after faulty gene expression

A team of researchers at the University of Cologne has discovered a protein complex called C/EBP heterodimer that directs cells towards a dormant state in response to faulty gene expression. This mechanism, known as cellular senescence, can protect tissues from damage but also promote disease and ageing.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

A potential milestone in cancer therapy

A research team has identified a previously unknown weak spot in prostate cancer cells that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for other types of cancer. The study found that inhibiting this process can reduce cancer growth without affecting normal cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023
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How the cell protects itself

Human cells use a mechanism to protect genetic transcripts from spliceosomes, preventing damage that can lead to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that the snRNA of spliceosomes migrates into the cytoplasm in human cells, unlike in yeast, where it remains in the nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 12, 2019

Ribosomal quality control

Researchers found that ribosomes hold newly synthesized proteins back until specific helpers, called chaperones, deliver the matching counterparts. This ensures only the intended structure is formed, adopting the role of a quality inspector in addition to production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 6, 2016

Scientists capture most detailed images yet of tiny cellular machines

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has captured the most detailed images yet of spliceosomes, which help make proteins in our bodies. The images reveal new details about how these cellular machines work and provide insight into the relationship between RNA and protein.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

Editing-molecule mutation causes fatal primordial dwarfism

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers has identified a gene mutation that causes microcephalic osteodysplastic primoridal dwarfism type 1 (MOPD1), a rare developmental disorder. The defect, triggered by a tiny gene mutation, greatly slows growth in the uterus and causes severe brain and organ abnormalities.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 7, 2011
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