Articles tagged with Rna
Researchers have discovered compact viral RNA elements that can stabilize mRNA, increasing protein production. These elements, called tailons, work by extending the poly(A) tail of mRNA, slowing its degradation. This breakthrough offers a simple way to develop longer-lasting and more efficient mRNA technologies for various applications.
A new study reveals that the brain plays a crucial role in protecting fertility during heat stress by sending signals to reproductive cells. Researchers discovered an unexpected communication system between the brain and germline cells, showing how animals adjust reproduction when conditions become unfavorable.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a microRNA-based gene therapy that suppresses mutant SOD1 production, delaying disease onset by 60 days and extending lifespan by 100 days in mice models of ALS. The therapy, delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, preserves motor neurons and maintains neuromuscular con...
Researchers discovered a structural aberration in octopus ribosomes that enhances accuracy and reduces errors in protein synthesis. This finding may be linked to the evolution of the octopus's complex sensory system, which includes a highly sensitive 'taste by touch' system.
NIRBA Hub fosters interdisciplinary collaboration & accelerates innovation in RNA science. The hub supports talent development, technology innovation & industry engagement.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered an RNA aptamer, 1R6, that targets the disordered regions of alpha-synuclein protein, inhibiting its aggregation and promoting disassembly of pre-existing aggregates. This finding offers a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Scientists engineered an enzyme that selectively recognizes and repairs broken RNA, suggesting that molecular tools needed to preserve the RNA-based genetic code could be furnished by RNA alone. This discovery has implications for understanding the origins of life and developing new biotechnology applications.
Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based method to control protein production in cells by targeting ribosomal RNA. This method, known as TAPIR, has been shown to increase protein synthesis and promote the growth of cancer cells. The results offer new insights into stem cell biology and disease-relevant processes.
A new study maps the changing RNA modification landscape of sperm during development and shows that type II diabetes can disrupt this molecular program. The findings suggest that paternal metabolic disease can impact male fertility and potentially offspring health.
A new gene circuit technology has enabled cells to autonomously generate programmed responses, processing multiple molecular signals at once. The RATEX platform allows cells to compute and respond to various types of molecular information.
A new AI model, SpliceSelectNet, accurately predicts RNA splicing by capturing long-range DNA signals. The model's hierarchical Transformer architecture preserves high computational efficiency while maintaining single-nucleotide resolution, enabling accurate analysis of genomic regions.
Scripps Research scientists captured high-resolution structural images of human Argonaute 2 in its cutting-ready state, identifying precise atomic interactions that determine when and where the machinery cuts. The structures reveal key amino acids driving the cutting reaction, including Lysine709 and Arginine710.
Scientists from the University of Osaka have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism linking mitochondrial morphology to innate immune activation. Abnormally long mitochondria can trigger the release of mitochondrial RNA into the cytosol, activating RNA-sensing proteins and leading to anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have developed a large-scale screening approach that identifies proteins controlling alternative polyadenylation (APA), a fundamental step in gene expression. The study reveals 63 high-confidence activators of poly(A) site usage, including seven new regulators previously unknown.
Laura Gonzalez Garcia, a postdoctoral researcher at BTI's Nelson Lab, has been selected as a 2026 Pew Latin American Fellow to study RNA modifications. She aims to understand the functional role of dihydrouridine (DHU) modification and its potential as a biomarker for cancer and crop performance.
A team of Rice University researchers has developed an RNA-based barcoding system to track gene transfer between bacteria and bacteriophages. The approach reveals previously unknown bacterial hosts for the bacteriophage P1 and shows how subtle changes in viral structure influence host range, offering a powerful tool for next-generation...
Researchers have uncovered the structural basis of Argonaute assembly, revealing that chaperone proteins hold it in an open conformation allowing miRNA loading. The study also found that RNA plays a key role in guiding Argonaute folding.
Researchers identified a promising new strategy for reversing autism-related brain deficits by targeting a specific glycine transporter. The therapy restored NMDA receptor function in mouse models and human brain organoids, improving behavioral abnormalities such as social interaction and repetitive behaviors.
A new study reveals that IS110 elements use two RNA-guided pathways to insert donor DNA into target sites, challenging the classical 'cut-out-paste-in' model. The researchers identified a figure-eight DNA intermediate in one pathway and a direct-transfer pathway without forming a conventional intermediate.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo have developed nanoparticles that deliver therapeutic RNA molecules directly to skin cells, silencing genes responsible for chronic inflammation. This precision nanomedicine approach holds promise for treating complex diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo.
Researchers have discovered a previously underappreciated mechanism that helps immune cells respond rapidly to infections by altering RNA splicing. This study provides new insights into immune-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and may lead to more targeted therapies.
Researchers used RNA therapy to target a genetic mutation causing heart failure, reducing protein aggregation and improving cellular abnormalities. The study provides insight into the biological mechanisms underlying treatment response and may accelerate the development of personalized treatments for genetic heart disease.
Researchers developed a technique that uses RNA origami to analyze sections of RNA, allowing for accurate sizing of repeat expansions in genetic disorders. The method shows promise for fast and affordable testing in clinical settings.
Researchers developed a new tool, RNAanalyzer 3, to analyze RNA structures and motifs. The tool uses large databases and combines structure and context to make accurate predictions, enabling researchers to study RNA's role in various biological processes.
Researchers developed an AI-driven framework, HELIX, to predict RNA splicing and isoform usage with high accuracy. The framework integrates genomic sequence features with tissue-specific RBP expression profiles and outperforms existing methods in predicting splicing strength and isoform usage.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a small RNA embedded within the V. cholerae gene as the key factor controlling its ability to infect humans. Variations in this RNA controlled about 85% of genes related to human infection, enabling the bacteria to evade immune barriers and colonize the gut.
Researchers developed a new method called sm-PORE-cupine to study individual RNA molecules and reveal how their structures influence gene regulation. The technology provides deeper insight into how RNA structure affects cellular function and could help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases such as viral infections.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have identified four more members of Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition using DNA samples extracted from skeletal remains. The new discoveries bring the total number of identified sailors to six, providing previously unavailable details about the circumstances and locations of their deaths.
Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.
Researchers at MIT discovered that gene circuits can reshape DNA folding and affect gene expression in human cells. The study found that rearranging genes along a DNA strand, or 'gene syntax,' can amplify or suppress the expression of neighboring genes.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize individual water molecules and metal ions within RNA polymerase II, revealing their active role in DNA transcription. The study provides a new understanding of how genetic information is read and expressed, challenging the traditional 'protein-centered' view.
Researchers suggest treatment could start during pregnancy to prevent brain damage and reduce neurological harm. A new RNA-based therapy reduces abnormal electrical currents in patient-derived excitatory neurons.
Researchers studying RNA pollution's impact on aging brains seek to develop therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Sanford Burnham Prebys scientist Anne Bang will use advanced robotics to test thousands of compounds.
Researchers have developed a new method to build programmable artificial organelles inside living cells using RNA, enabling customization of cellular compartments and tunable properties. This approach may lead to specialized biological functions for nanomedicine and gene engineering.
A novel circular RNA replicon was identified in a high-temperature hot spring ecosystem, showing profound divergence from previously known circular RNAs. The discovery reveals diverse self-replicating RNAs exist even in extreme environments, broadening the ecological scope of RNA-based replication systems.
Scientists have uncovered an unexpected way cancer cells generate cancer-driving proteins by cutting RNA into shorter fragments. This process, termed as RNA dicing, enables the production of a truncated form of the JAK1 protein that remains highly active and can promote tumor growth.
The researchers will investigate novel therapies to protect the aging brain from neurodegenerative diseases by eliminating RNA pollution. They will map out signatures of RNA pollution across over 200 cell lines and patient biofluids to understand its effects.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mRNA vaccines can trigger strong anti-tumor responses even without certain immune cell subtypes, suggesting a novel pathway for cancer treatment. The study found that both cDC1 and cDC2 dendritic cells play a role in stimulating T-cell responses.
A community-based point-of-care HCV RNA testing program was feasible and led to a high percentage of same-day treatment for American Indian and Alaska Native participants. The study supports expanding point-of-care HCV RNA testing and integrated treatment to advance HCV elimination.
A new analytical method allows scientists to track exactly where a cancer drug accumulates inside a living cell, enabling more precise treatment design. This breakthrough uses subcellular capillary sampling and laser ablation – Inductively coupled plasma – Mass spectrometry to detect trace amounts of metal in individual cells.
A team of scientists from NTU Singapore has developed a new biochip that, when paired with Artificial Intelligence (AI), can detect quickly and accurately extremely small amounts of microRNAs. The device can cut detection time from hours to 20 minutes.
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
A study by IRB Barcelona researchers sheds light on the regulation of protein production in fatty liver cells, revealing a key role for CPEB4 in controlling gene expression. The findings provide new perspectives on the disease and its progression towards more severe forms.
Researchers found that an extra copy of chromosome 21 leads to increased levels of the ADARB1 enzyme, causing premature and excessive RNA editing in developing brain cells. This dysregulation affects how brain cells communicate and form circuits, potentially influencing neurological and behavioral outcomes in Down syndrome.
A research team discovered that a protein complex consisting of SMG1, SMG8, and SMG9 ensures the efficient execution of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). The study found that this complex is essential for maintaining the stability of NMD under various conditions.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified LENG8 as a crucial regulator of RNA quality control, enabling cells to retain or degrade specific RNAs. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying cellular processes such as gene expression and translation.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
Researchers discovered that PFK, a key sugar-processing enzyme, has a hidden function controlling cell division by unwinding RNA and promoting gene translation. The enzyme's ability to bind and unwind RNA was found to be crucial for cell cycle progression, with cells lacking PFK2 showing slowed growth and division issues.
A new RNA therapy has been developed to enhance the heart's own ability to protect and repair itself after a heart attack. The therapy, which involves injecting particles into the arm, significantly reduced scarring and improved heart function in lab experiments, offering a potential breakthrough for heart patients.
Researchers have synthesized long noncoding RNA molecules with anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrating a new paradigm in drug discovery. The team identified three lncRNA sequences that regulate inflammation and used them to create nanoparticles that reduced inflammation in human cell cultures and mice.
Researchers mapped GLP-1 expression in 25 brain regions in each sex, uncovering striking differences in key circuits. The atlas reveals sex-biased expression in certain medullary nuclei, with higher Glp1 densities and numbers of Glp1-expressing neurons in females compared to males.
Researchers have identified a crucial mechanism behind nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which removes faulty transcripts to prevent incomplete protein production. The study reveals that the SMG5 and SMG6 proteins interact directly, forming an endonuclease that cuts through RNA in a targeted manner.
Researchers at UAlbany are developing a new technique using Raman spectroscopy to ensure mRNA is properly encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, improving the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. The technique allows for instantaneous analysis without damaging the sample, enabling optimization of formulations.
Researchers identified nine piRNAs linked to longevity, which could be detected through simple blood tests. The study suggests that these molecules may help predict survival and guide therapeutic targets for older adults.
Researchers identify nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) as a central mediator of neuronal migration and cortical lamination. The study reveals that UPF2, a core component of NMD machinery, is essential for proper neuron migration and brain development.
MIT neuroscientists have found that two genetic mutations causing Rett syndrome compromise the structural integrity of developing blood vessels, leading to leaky vessels. Overexpression of miRNA-126-3p is responsible for the vascular defect, which can be rescued by reducing the miRNA's levels.
A study profiles mitochondrial circular RNAs in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from young and old human cohorts, revealing that circMT-RNR2 levels are depleted in older cohorts and are involved in promoting the TCA cycle. Loss of GRSF1 reduces circMT-RNR2 levels, decreasing mitochondrial TCA intermediates and accelerating cellular ...
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.
Scientists have developed a technology that reveals which proteins are generated by individual brain cells. They mapped protein production across nearly 20,000 individual cells in the mouse hippocampus, finding surprising patterns and potential links to neurological conditions. The study sheds light on how translation affects memory ci...
Research reveals that nuclear speckles are essential for processing and exporting viral messenger RNAs from the nucleus, highlighting their critical role in viral infections. The study suggests that understanding how viruses interact with host cells can lead to new ways to treat and prevent viral diseases.