Articles tagged with Rna
Scientists have found that misfolded tau protein accumulates RNA tags called N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) in nerve cells, leading to neurodegeneration. Inhibiting this RNA-tagging pathway shows promise as a potential approach to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed an approach that predicts accurate structures computationally, overcoming the problem of determining molecular shapes. The algorithm succeeds even when learning from only a few known structures, making it applicable to difficult-to-determine molecules.
Researchers found that a chemical modification called m6A may offer protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver by slowing down the accumulation of fat in the liver. The study also suggested that this modification occurs at a different rate in females than males, potentially explaining sex differences in liver fat content.
The study found a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels and symptom severity in patients with the virus. Researchers discovered that higher RNA levels were linked to more severe symptoms, suggesting a possible correlation between viral load and disease progression.
UC Riverside researchers have decoded the genome of a benign infection, potentially sending medicine into citrus trees. The discovery could harness its unique properties to deliver antibacterial and antiviral agents into plants' vascular systems.
A team of Colorado State University scientists detected Zika virus RNA in free-ranging African bats, shedding light on the ecology of flaviviruses and potential natural transmission routes. The findings suggest that bats may be incidental hosts of Zika virus infection, rather than amplifying hosts or reservoir hosts.
The Skoltech team created a genome-wide atlas of developmental alternative splicing changes in seven organs across six mammal species and chicken. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in forming organs like the brain, heart, and testes, but is less significant for others like the liver and kidneys.
Researchers developed a new method to test AI algorithms' decision-making processes by presenting them with carefully designed synthetic data. The technique, called Global Importance Analysis, revealed that AI models consider more factors beyond just sequence length, such as RNA folding and motif proximity.
A Z-RNA nanoswitch that switches from a right-handed A-RNA state to a left-handed Z-RNA state regulates immune responses against self RNAs. The switch is encoded by 'junk DNA' and protects normal cells from inflammatory diseases, while malfunctioning causes diseases like Aicardi-Goutieres disease.
Researchers found that GS-441524, a metabolite of remdesivir, inhibits the nsP3 protein's activity, which is important for virus replication and suppressing host cell defense. This discovery could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs effective against multiple viruses
Researchers found that a chemical modification of RNA, influenced by diet, plays a key role in polycystic kidney disease. Limiting methionine in the diet may partially control cyst formation, and identifying chemicals that stem Mettl3 activity may lead to new drug treatments.
Scientists have developed a technology that allows pinpointing millions of RNA molecules mapped inside tissues with nanoscale resolution. This breakthrough enables researchers to advance treatment of complex diseases and Alzheimer's research by analyzing RNA molecules in 3D tissue samples.
The study reveals that many virus-like insertions may remain undiscovered in animal genomes, highlighting the need for further research on endogenous RNA viruses. Machine learning was used to detect sequence patterns characteristic of endogenous RNA viruses in the human genome.
Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 RNA in human corneas of patients with COVID-19, shedding light on the virus's presence beyond respiratory sites. The study suggests potential implications for eye care and infection transmission.
Chemists at Scripps Research Institute demonstrate a simple compound called diamidophosphate can assemble DNA building blocks into primordial DNA strands. This finding supports the theory that DNA and RNA arose together as products of similar chemical reactions.
A systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 air contamination in hospitals revealed frequent viral RNA presence but low viable virus rates. High viral loads were detected in toilets, bathrooms, and public areas, emphasizing the importance of careful cleaning and disinfection.
A study examines SARS-CoV-2 RNA test results in patients who recovered from COVID-19 with prior negative results. Researchers found that some patients tested positive for the virus after recovery, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and testing.
Membraneless compartments, known as complex coacervates, respond predictably to wet-dry cycling, a process likely common during the early development of life on Earth. The behavior informs current applications of the droplets found in household items and has implications for the evolution of life.
Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that a circular RNA molecule, ciRS-7, is actually not found in cancer cells but contributes to cancer development through the tumor's microenvironment. This finding challenges previous conclusions and highlights the importance of spatial analyses of patient tumors.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a comprehensive map of coronavirus entry factors, predicting which tissues and cell types are most vulnerable to infection. The study's findings support emerging clinical data on SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect various organs, including the intestines, kidney, and placenta.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed RNA molecules that can compensate for gene mutations in bone marrow cells, a potential breakthrough for treating rare hereditary diseases. The molecules bind to the body's own RNA and restore ferrochelatase enzyme production, which is deficient in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
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.