Articles tagged with Rna
A research team has developed a 'SUPER' platform that utilizes synthetic small RNAs as add-on controllers for genetic switches. This technology enhances the performance and stability of gene regulatory devices by addressing the issue of 'leakage', where genes continue to express at low levels even in the 'OFF' state.
New diagnostic methods aim to detect RNA viruses with high sensitivity and specificity, overcoming the challenge of rapid evolutionary dynamics. The techniques include mutation-tolerant screening and precise mutation discrimination.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism for initiating gene transcription in cells under stress. Using cryogenic electron microscopy, they observed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind to RNA polymerase, enabling the formation of alternative caps that protect cellular RNA.
Researchers found a progressive shift in RNA contents of sperm with age, potentially contributing to health risks of having kids later in life. The discovery may lead to improved fertility outcomes and diagnostic tools.
A study in mice found that paternal immune activation affects small RNAs in sperm, leading to changes in offspring phenotypes such as increased body size and impaired insulin sensitivity. The findings suggest a potential mechanism for intergenerational transmission of health disorders.
Flinders University researchers discovered a biological process that could explain some stillbirths and pave the way for early detection. The study found that molecules called circular RNAs build up in the placenta too quickly during pregnancy, compromising its ability to nourish the baby.
Researchers developed RNACOREX, a new open-source software tool that identifies gene regulation networks in cancer. The tool analyzes thousands of molecules simultaneously to detect key interactions, providing an interpretable molecular map that improves understanding of tumors.
Researchers discovered a tiny RNA molecule called PreS that helps viruses copy their DNA more efficiently and boost replication in bacterial cells. This discovery provides important insights for designing smarter phage-based therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at IIT identified a candidate molecule called Apt1 that enhances existing anticancer therapies by making tumour cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs. The molecule slows DNA repair and impairs the interaction between RAD51 and BRCA2 proteins, inducing synthetic lethality in cancerous cells.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a unique tool for studying RNA, allowing them to observe its behavior inside live cells. The three-color method uses glowing proteins that target specific parts of the RNA molecule, providing valuable insights into RNA's functions and how they impact cellular health.
Researchers found that two proteins in the CCR4-NOT complex have opposing roles in controlling genetic messages, with one destabilizing and the other steadying mRNA. This balance is critical to gene regulation and understanding cellular differentiation, adaptation to environmental stimuli, and disease mechanisms.
Researchers have discovered a small RNA molecule that plays a key role in controlling cholesterol production and the development of heart disease. The molecule, tsRNA-Glu-CTC, was found to boost SREBP2 activity, leading to higher cholesterol levels and increased risk of atherosclerosis.
A study from UMBC reveals a conserved RNA-protein interaction as a promising target for broad-spectrum enterovirus antivirals. The researchers found that a fusion protein called 3CD recruits proteins to assemble the replication complex, and targeting this interface could lead to universal drugs.
A new study found that rising temperatures are driving changes in polar bear DNA, which may help them adapt to increasingly challenging environments. The researchers discovered that genes related to heat-stress, aging, and metabolism are behaving differently in polar bears living in southeastern Greenland.
Gerald M. Wilson, PhD, joins UMSOM as Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, bringing expertise in RNA biochemistry and cancer mechanisms. He aims to strengthen departmental capabilities and foster collaboration to advance research, education, and service.
Researchers developed an innovative treatment platform combining a multichannel 3D-printed bioactive scaffold with siRNA delivery for enhanced axon regeneration and improved motor function in spinal cord injury rats. The therapy addressed multiple pathological barriers, including insufficient intrinsic axonal regeneration, lack of dire...
Scientists capture unprecedented detail of a large RNA molecule assembling itself into a functional machine, overcoming kinetic traps. The research reveals the dynamic process, including subtle movements that prompt each domain to enter at precisely the right moment.
Researchers discovered that brain enzyme OTULIN regulates tau protein accumulation and has implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study revealed OTULIN's role in controlling gene expression and RNA metabolism, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Scientists have cataloged hundreds of target sites and widely varying editing rates for RNA editing in more than 200 individual cells of tonic and phasic motor neurons. The study found that most sites were edited at rates between extremes, and that some edits altered proteins involved in neural communication and function.
The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.
A new study led by Prof. Maayan Salton and Dr. Tal Schiller found that gestational diabetes alters the placenta's genetic messages, causing hundreds of errors in protein synthesis. The key protein SRSF10 appears to contribute to this process, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for mitigating its effects.
Researchers have created a method for simultaneous imaging of DNA and RNA in living cells using harmless infrared light, allowing for high-precision detection of all stages of cell death. This breakthrough enables the early detection of cellular damage that leads to aging or death.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a new mechanism of resistance to common antibiotics, targeting a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria. This discovery could aid efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of the world's most urgent health challenges.
Researchers have discovered that stress hormones can silence crucial neuronal genes by interacting with long noncoding RNAs and the polycomb repressive complex 2. This mechanism may provide a new understanding of how stress affects gene expression, particularly in relation to synaptic function and calcium signaling.
Advanced molecular dynamics simulations model complex RNA structures with high accuracy, enabling potential applications in RNA-based therapies and drug design. The study successfully simulated the folding of diverse RNA stem loops, revealing a distinct folding pathway for challenging motifs.
Scientists discovered queuine and preQ1, produced by gut bacteria, regulate protein synthesis in human cells. These bacterial metabolites promote cell growth and halt it, respectively. The study suggests using diet or microbiome composition to balance cell growth in cancer and prevent autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed two fast tests for early markers of Alzheimer's disease using CRISPR technology. The tests recognize microRNA molecules associated with Alzheimer's, allowing for quick identification in doctor's offices.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new tool, iConRNA, that provides an unrivaled look inside cells and can help solve the mystery of how devastating diseases develop. The tool resolves the balance of physical driving forces of phase separation and predicts how this balance is tuned under different cellular situations.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have created a new type of drug molecule that can precisely destroy TERRA, an RNA molecule helping certain cancer cells survive. The discovery paves the way for a new generation of RNA-based cancer treatments targeting genetic roots rather than symptoms.
Scientists have characterized lipid nanoparticles' internal shape and structure, which correlates with how well they deliver therapeutic cargo. The research provides a blueprint for engineering more effective RNA therapies by matching LNP designs to specific therapies and tissues.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic test, CAARRD, to detect ribonucleic acid (RNA) at room temperature, increasing sensitivity and reducing complexity. The test uses special 'anti-tag' CRISPR sequences to block the activity of the Cas13a enzyme, allowing for faster and more affordable detection of viral RNAs such as HIV.
Researchers have developed a new mRNA vaccine technology using albumin-recruiting lipid nanoparticles to deliver vaccines precisely to lymph nodes, avoiding liver toxicity. The approach outperformed traditional delivery systems in laboratory tests, producing strong antitumor T-cell responses and high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers developed a novel RNA-based therapy using lipid nanoparticles to silence a gene causing ceramide buildup in the liver, reducing inflammation and scarring. The treatment shows promise for millions of patients worldwide and could eventually benefit those with heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
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.
A new mRNA vaccine has stopped allergens from causing immune reactions and inflammation in mice, instructing the immune system to respond more appropriately. The vaccine is tailored to encode proteins from different allergens, offering a flexible solution to treat seasonal pollen allergies, food sensitivities, and asthma.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identify IGF2BP3 as a master switch linking cancer metabolism and RNA regulation in leukemia cells. The protein shifts energy breakdown and RNA modifications to support cell survival and multiplication.
Researchers developed an mRNA vaccine that suppresses abnormal blood vessel growth in mouse models of age-related macular degeneration. The vaccine is as effective as current therapies and offers a convenient alternative to frequent eye injections.
Researchers have developed a system to selectively switch off the key molecule of NMD, allowing them to observe its function in human cells with unprecedented precision. The study reveals that NMD not only prevents errors but also acts as an important regulator of gene activity.
Researchers have devised a method to safely and temporarily 'switch off' and then 'turn on' ribonucleic acid (RNA) inside cells using disulfide-containing chemical groups. This strategy could potentially open new avenues in more precise RNA-based therapeutics and gene editing.
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.
Researchers discovered that disordered regions enhance specific RNA interactions in FUS protein-RNA complexes, revealing a breakthrough strategy for nucleic acid binding. The study suggests that intrinsically disordered regions actively contribute to the RNA-binding mechanism.
Cells use a stopwatch-like mechanism to measure the length of messenger RNA (mRNA) tails, achieving molecular accuracy in vital processes like gene expression. The discovery reveals that two proteins, CPAC and Nab2, set the tail's length by timing their interaction, with the final length determined by a race between their speeds.
Scientists have developed a new approach to analyze proteins in individual cells during blood cell formation, bypassing mRNA intermediates. This study reveals the correlation between mRNA levels and protein expression, shedding light on the role of essential proteins in maintaining stem cell populations.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a novel method using modified M13 bacteria to deliver targeted gene therapies for genetic disorders. This approach shows promise as a cost-effective alternative to current methods, which can be expensive and trigger toxic side effects.
Researchers used machine-learning models to design nanoparticles that can deliver RNA to cells more efficiently. The approach accelerated the identification of optimal ingredient mixtures in lipid nanoparticles, leading to better delivery vehicles for RNA vaccines and mRNA therapies. This could dramatically speed up the development of ...
Researchers have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism behind chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer. The study found that a protein called RUNX1C plays a key role in this process, and blocking its activity with RNA-targeting tools can improve chemotherapy's effectiveness.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a new approach to lengthening telomeres using synthetic RNA. The technique, known as eTERC, has been shown to increase telomere length in human stem cells and leave normal cell mechanisms intact. Additionally, polygenic scores have been developed to estimate the combined effect o...
HTGAnalyzer is an automated tool simplifying complex transcriptomic workflows, enabling clinicians without bioinformatics expertise to perform essential analyses in precision medicine. The tool has been validated using multiple datasets and identified differentially expressed genes linked to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Researchers discovered that CRISPR-Cas13a can activate even in the absence of a target, leading to unforeseen bystander RNA cleavage. This 'RINCA' activity has implications for cancer therapy and diagnostic tools, with engineered variants showing promise.
Emerging evidence highlights the involvement of extracellular RNAs in the antiviral defense process, with microRNAs binding viral genomes via base-pairing interactions to inhibit expression. RNA immunity represents a complementary arm of the mammalian immune system, functionally independent of traditional protein-based defenses.
Researchers discovered that our bodies add sugars to RNA, shielding it from the immune system. This 'sugarcoating' prevents inflammation and helps clean up dead cells.
Researchers have discovered a natural mechanism by which RNA modifications prevent innate immune activation, raising questions about their potential link to autoimmune disorders. The study found that N-glycans on glycoRNAs block hypermodified RNA bases from inducing immune responses.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have uncovered the detailed chemical mechanism behind preventing premature protein release. The discovery sheds light on how cells execute protein production, one of life's most essential processes, and clarifies the role of the release factor.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown virus in Pacific oysters linked to annual mass die-offs, highlighting the importance of disease prevention measures. The discovery also underscores the need for further research into the causes of mortality in oyster populations.
Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.
Researchers developed TraMA, an RNA-based measure of biological aging that predicts health risks and mortality. It captures distinct aspects of aging and health decline, including inflammation, immune function, and kidney and brain health.
Researchers found that ribose binds to phosphate more quickly and effectively than other sugar molecules, which could have helped select it for inclusion in RNA development. The study also showed that ribose produces a five-member ring form, similar to the forms seen in RNA and DNA today.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania designed a new recipe for mRNA vaccines by adding phenol groups, which reduce inflammation and improve vaccine effectiveness. The modified lipids improved vaccine performance in various diseases, including COVID-19, cancer, and genetic diseases, with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects.
Researchers highlight microRNAs as crucial biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring soft tissue sarcomas, with potential for precision medicine. MicroRNAs could help distinguish between tumor types and guide treatment decisions.
A 1,000-patient clinical study will use RNA-based stool and saliva tests to detect colon polyps, enabling early prevention of colorectal cancer. The study aims to develop an at-home RNA test that empowers people to take action before cancer takes hold.