Articles tagged with Rna
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a volunteer blood donor 40 days after resolution of COVID-19-like symptoms. This detection raises concerns about the risk to blood supply safety, as current guidelines do not recommend screening for SARS-CoV-2 in allogeneic donors.
Scientists have discovered a specific circular RNA that prolongs fruit fly lifespan by regulating the insulin signalling pathway. The circRNA, called circSulfateless, is expressed at higher levels in long-lived flies and can directly influence their lifespan. These findings suggest a potential link between circRNAs and human ageing.
A new research project at the University of Bristol aims to create a low-cost, rapid COVID-19 diagnosis system. The pilot study uses simulant fluorescently labelled RNA to develop an assay for coronavirus detection.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Hebrew University of Jerusalem reconstructed ancient protein sequences that may resemble those of early life forms. They discovered a way these primitive proteins could have progressed to form living cells, with positively-charged amino acids playing a crucial role.
A recent study by Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers suggests that mixtures of simple organic compounds can react to form more complex compounds, including RNA precursors. This continuous reaction network could help explain how life on primitive planets might have formed.
A new study reveals how 'continuous reaction networks' can produce RNA precursors and possibly ultimately RNA itself, a critical bridge to life. The experiments exposed simple molecules to high-energy radiation and evaporation, returning compounds that may have been important for the origins of life.
Researchers discovered a biomarker for early detection of Alzheimer's disease in the form of high levels of RNA produced by the PHGDH gene. The study, published in Current Biology, suggests that overproduction of extracellular RNA by the PHGDH gene in elderly individuals may serve as an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease.
UC San Diego researchers found that the enzyme SPRK1 plays a crucial role in untangling a sperm's genome by kicking out special packing proteins. This process allows for major reorganization of the paternal DNA and enables the fusion of the mother's and father's half-genomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a proof-of-principle urine test detecting prostate cancer using RNA and metabolites in the urine. The test identified cancer-specific changes in urinary RNAs and metabolites that may lead to future development of a noninvasive diagnostic tool.
The UTokyo team revealed a protein called Zucchini processes piRNA from an immature form into a functional form, while another protein called Trimmer matures the intermediate piRNA. The researchers discovered that the signal for cutting RNA strands is more complex than previously thought.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to predict crop traits using plant RNA data from 2-week-old corn seedlings. The approach outperforms traditional genetic marker-based methods and provides additional information not available from DNA alone.
Researchers at UConn's Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department shed new light on the evolution of the treehopper's distinctive helmet. By analyzing RNA sequences, they found that the gene expression lines up with wings rather than the dorsal body wall, suggesting a unique developmental pathway.
A study found that cancer treatments in HIV patients were linked to decreased immune system health (lower CD4 counts) and higher mortality rates. Nearly 200 patients with both conditions were analyzed, providing valuable insights into the effects of cancer treatment on individuals with HIV.
Researchers at Ohio State University have made a significant discovery in developing an RSV vaccine, targeting an epigenetic modification that can tame the virus and prompt a robust immune response. The study's findings could lead to a more effective and affordable vaccine that saves tens of thousands of lives annually.
Researchers found that aggregates of tau protein disrupt RNA splicing, leading to global disruptions in brain cells. This discovery presents an exciting new possibility for using RNA splicing as a potential target for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
Researchers developed SILVER-seq to detect extracellular RNA in 5-7-microliter droplets of blood serum. The assay distinguishes between biopsies from patients with breast cancer and control samples, suggesting its potential use in diagnostic trials.
Membrane-less organelles (MLOs) are liquid droplets made from proteins and RNA that facilitate storage and biochemical activity within cells. The study found that MLOs are highly sensitive to the level of divalent cations, with fluctuations in these ions profoundly tuning their liquid properties.
Researchers have demonstrated that energetic interactions between hydrogen cyanide and water can form precursors to RNA and proteins. The study provides new potential pathways for the formation of life's building blocks, without requiring high-energy photons or metal catalysts.
Researchers found that RNA viruses from managed honeybees were transmitted to wild bumblebees through shared floral resources. The study suggests that managing apiaries may exacerbate the decline of vulnerable bumblebee species.
Researchers successfully adapted an open-source genetic analysis method called Drop-seq to plant cells for the first time, allowing them to see what genes are being expressed in different cell types. The breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of plant biology and ultimately develop more efficient food and biofuel crop plants.
A study published in Human Molecular Genetics reveals that DNA mutations trigger an inflammatory response, leading to cell death and progressive neurological damage. The discovery may lead to effective treatments using existing anti-inflammatory drugs.
Researchers have developed CIBERSORTx, a technique that can analyze RNA from individual cells in whole-tissue samples, enabling insights into cell behavior and state. The tool has been shown to identify differences between cancer and normal cells, as well as changes in immune cells infiltrating tumors.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme that helps cancer cells survive by eliminating junk RNA. Targeting this enzyme, ADAR, may lead to breakthroughs in treating various types of cancer.
Scientists have improved their understanding of a new form of cell-cell communication based on extracellular RNA. Researchers analyzed human exRNAs from 19 studies and developed computational tools to deconvolute complex data, revealing six major types of exRNA cargo and carriers that can be detected in bodily fluids.
Researchers have developed tiny 'blinkers' that can image single molecules of RNA or protein inside cells simultaneously, opening up new possibilities for diagnostics and treatments. The approach uses fluorescent probes that blink with variable duration and frequency to detect dozens of biomolecules at once.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that adjusting CRISPR dosages can significantly improve dystrophin production in edited genes. The optimal ratio of components changed based on the DNA sequence being edited, paving the way for optimized gene therapies for other diseases.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has developed a method to trap the pathological protein TDP-43, which is linked to 97% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. An oligonucleotide-based approach prevents TDP-43 aggregation and rescues neurons from neurodegeneration.
A major study has linked genetic variants to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing new mechanisms of diseases. The findings provide a roadmap for development of new therapies for psychiatric conditions. Thousands of RNA molecules are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Researchers have identified Toll-like receptor 3 as a new target for treating pulmonary hypertension by increasing its levels through high-dose RNA stimulation, potentially reducing inflammation and cell death in the lungs.
A team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a machine learning model that can accurately predict insertions and deletions caused by CRISPR-Cas9. In experiments, the approach corrected mutations in human cell lines for three diseases with high efficiency.
Researchers at McMaster University are pioneering a new Origins of Life Laboratory to mimic early-Earth conditions, testing RNA sequence formation and potential self-replication. The lab's Planetary Simulator will simulate years of cycles in days, studying the emergence of life on Earth and potentially elsewhere.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute will award $20 million to four academic centers over five years, with UC San Diego receiving $5 million. The program aims to correct the lack of attention given to glycans in biomedical research and train 18 early-career glycoscientists.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers suggests that HIV RNA expression inhibitors can diminish atypical inflammation and restore immune function in HIV-infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Chronic viral infection leads to immune activation, causing non-AIDS complications such as cardi...
Scientists find that DNA and RNA have memory properties, with two stable states, making them suitable for storing data. The minimum electric field required for switching is inversely proportional to the ratio of topological polar surface area to total surface area.
A new study by Carnegie Institution researchers found that defects in the Fmr1 gene can lead to difficulties in creating large protein structures, potentially contributing to autism-related disorders like fragile X syndrome. The study used fruit fly eggs to demonstrate how Fmr1 helps produce essential large proteins.
A CU Cancer Center study found that common laboratory tests used to determine ROS1 status in lung cancer have inherent limitations, leading to false-negative results. The study highlights the need for multiple testing methods and secondary analysis to confirm results, particularly for patients with suspicious symptoms or unusual profiles.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine aim to develop strategies to decrease persistent HIV RNA expression and inflammation, driving disease pathogenesis in older individuals living with HIV. Chronic inflammation is a major concern in HIV-infected patients, particularly as they age.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have devised an improved method for isolating and identifying tiny fragments of RNA in human blood products, establishing extracellular RNA as a potentially reliable class of biomarkers. The new approach has been successfully tested on 312 blood samples from healthy subjects, confirming the stabili...
A team of clinical neurologists, molecular biologists, and computer scientists have uncovered the earliest events in motor neuron disease using stem cell technology and RNA sequencing data. They discovered that a protein called SFPQ is lost from the nucleus in diseased motor neurons, leading to their death.
A new study reveals that many viruses infecting humans today have ancient evolutionary histories dating back to the first vertebrates, with discoveries made in fish and reptiles. The research, a collaboration between several institutions, found 214 novel RNA viruses in healthy animals, including relatives of Ebola and influenza viruses.
Researchers have created a statistical analysis software called scImpute to handle RNA sequencing dropouts and improve the accuracy of measuring gene expression in individual cells. The tool uses information from similar cells to make educated guesses about gene abundance, providing more reliable results.
The symposium presented new discoveries about oral exRNA biology, including its use as a biomarker for diagnosing disease and tracking its progression. The study of salivary proteome and its diagnostic applications was funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Scientists developed a CRISPR gene-editing technique that can correct most DMD mutations by making a single cut at strategic points along the patient's DNA. The new strategy enhances genome editing accuracy and offers an efficient alternative to individualized molecular treatments.
Researchers used a plant virus to study how plants defend themselves against invading pathogens, revealing key receptor proteins that regulate RNA interference. The findings also identified a suppressor protein named C4 used by the virus to disarm the plant's defence mechanism.
A new test measures RNA or protein molecules in human cells to identify viral infections, potentially replacing current methods for respiratory viral illnesses. The test was found to predict respiratory viral infection with 97% accuracy and could help diagnose patients more quickly and accurately.
Scientists suggest that life began on Earth when meteorites splashed down and leached essential elements into warm little ponds. The 'warm little ponds' concept has been proven plausible through extensive research and calculations.
Scientists discovered borates in a Martian crater, indicating that ancient conditions were favorable for RNA synthesis and potentially life. The presence of boron on Mars adds to evidence for habitability, opening possibilities for life's origins.
Scientists in China have derived a formula to calculate the end-to-end distance of semiflexible polymers, including DNA and RNA, accounting for their stretchiness. This method enables researchers to estimate the flexibility of segments of DNA, crucial for its biological function.
Researchers discovered an ancient antiviral defense system in human cells that could be used to deliver targeted therapies using engineered viruses or simple self-replicating RNAs. This system, which dates back billions of years, was originally designed to defend against viral infection and may hold the key to new treatments for diseases.
Researchers at TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München developed a method that significantly increases the chances of identifying genetic triggers in rare hereditary disorders. By sequencing both DNA and RNA, they were able to narrow down gene candidates in 10% of cases, while reducing false positives.
A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that simple metabolic functions were the precursor to the emergence of life on Earth. The research analyzed gene ontology data and constructed a tree tracing the evolutionary path of molecular functions over time.
A study found that 0.11% of blood donations from Germany tested positive for hepatitis E virus RNA, a significant increase on previous reports. The discovery highlights the risk of transmission to immunocompromised individuals and calls for routine screening at blood donation centers.
A new tool called MARGI identifies all RNA molecules interacting with a segment of DNA, as well as their locations. This breakthrough enables researchers to identify new gene functions and instructions encoded in the genome.
Kosik's research suggests that dendrites use a relatively small number of RNAs to leverage increased dynamic range, allowing for sparse coding and plasticity. This enables the brain to process incoming information more efficiently and adapt to new experiences.
Scientists discovered that women are more susceptible to Zika infection due to a suppressed vaginal immune response. The delayed antiviral immune response allows the virus to remain undetected in the vagina, increasing the risk of fetal exposure during pregnancy.
Researchers from the University of Maryland have observed molecules of double-stranded RNA being passed directly from parent to offspring in Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting a key mechanism for non-genetic inheritance. The study reveals that dsRNA can silence genes in offspring even if it doesn't match the parent's genes.
Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully assembled protein-like structures from four simple amino acids, suggesting that these molecules may have been the precursors of life. The findings support the 'amyloid hypothesis,' which proposes that ancient RNA molecules were not capable of self-replication.
Researchers identified a new gene, NAF1, associated with pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema in people with abnormally short telomeres. The mutation affects telomerase RNA stability, leading to decreased telomerase levels and increased risk of lung disease.
A groundbreaking study found that keeping a specific RNA binding protein, TDP-43, from moving inside nerve cells can prevent cell death and disease progression in ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers developed small proteins to block the protein's localization, preventing toxicity and disease progression in mice.
Yale researchers have identified key molecular pathways involved in the aging of human eggs, which could lead to new treatments for age-related fertility issues. The study found that oxygen-deprived cells are a major cause of egg damage, leading to chromosomal abnormalities and reduced egg quality in women over 40.