Articles tagged with Rna
A recent breakthrough in mammalian genome research has revealed a complex network of genetic regulators that subtly influence gene expression in different cells. The discovery of tiny RNAs and retrotransposons has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms behind cellular development and transformation.
Researchers discovered that an RNA aptamer specific to ricin's catalytic chain can protect cells from ricin-induced damage. The aptamer, called 31RA, inhibits the toxin's enzymatic activity and neutralizes its translation-inhibiting effects.
Researchers have developed a trans-splicing system that uses RNA to inactivate genes and improve efficiency in correcting RNA sequences. This approach enhances the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes for spinal muscular atrophy, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1 in 6,000 live births.
Dr Ben Berkhout's multi-disciplinary approach to RNA research has provided key insights into HIV-1 replication mechanisms. He was awarded the 2008 M Jeang Retrovirology Prize for his outstanding mid-career contribution to HIV research.
Researchers from Uppsala University have discovered a mechanism that silences several genes on a chromosome domain, leading to the genetic disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. The long Kcnq1ot1-RNA molecule mediates silencing by recruiting enzymes that modify DNA-binding proteins, protecting the silenced domain during cell division.
A study mapped the clan of mobile selfish genes Alu retrotransposons in the human genome, revealing that around 10,000 elements are still capable of jumping around and posing a major threat to human genetics. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of these elements and their potential impact on personalized genomics.
A UC San Diego scientist presents the first unified vision of 'the building blocks of life', revealing that only 68 molecules construct four fundamental cell components: nucleic acids, proteins, glycans, and lipids. This framework may hold the key to unlocking the origins of many serious diseases.
Britt Glaunsinger's research using herpesvirus aims to understand cellular machinery for RNA stability, with potential implications for human health. The five-year grant supports her work on a mysterious viral protein that evades the immune response.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have crystallized and characterized the H5N1 virus's RNA polymerase protein, a crucial component in viral replication. The study reveals an unexpected relationship between two subunits of the protein, which could inspire therapies to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Scientists discover a new gene, sphinx, in Drosophila melanogaster that regulates male-male courtship behavior. The absence of the gene leads to increased male-male interaction and altered mating habits.
A team of scientists has developed a computer-controlled system that can drive the evolution of improved RNA enzymes without human input. The system, known as an 'evolution-machine,' uses selection pressure to guide the evolution process, resulting in an enzyme that is 90 times more efficient at using starting ingredients.
Exosomes are chopped into pieces that trigger autoimmunity in people with PM/Scl overlap syndrome. Researchers have identified an exosome-associated protein recognized by antibodies, which may be a new marker for diagnosis.
The Medical College of Georgia Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine has been selected to isolate RNA and DNA from the blood of thousands of children involved in a worldwide study of the causes of type 1 diabetes. The TEDDY study aims to identify environmental triggers for diabetes in children with known high-risk genes.
A new hypothesis suggests that life emerged in the confined spaces between mica layers in ancient oceans. This model provides a more plausible explanation than existing prebiotic and 'pizza' hypotheses, explaining how early biomolecules formed and evolved.
The new protocol allows scientists to identify cell-cycle stages and analyze cell growth in mixed populations. It has been used to characterize immune cells in human blood, providing insight into their activity patterns.
Dr. Mani Mahadevan's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DM1, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and disability. His team has developed a mouse model to study toxic RNA production, which may lead to a viable treatment for the disease.
High doses of lithium-like drugs inhibit GSK-3 beta and impair neuronal growth in mouse neurons, contradicting previous findings that suggest these drugs improve neuronal function. Researchers warn that using too much of these inhibitors can be detrimental to Alzheimer's treatment.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discovered novel functions of the Sen1 protein, which acts as a master regulatory switch in yeast. This discovery may help understand human neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and movement disorders.
A team of researchers has developed a new method for targeting malignant brain tumors by inducing cancerous cells to commit suicide. The technique uses a molecule containing long, double-stranded RNA attached to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and delivered selectively to cells with high EGF receptors.
Researchers discovered that APOBEC3G forms large RNA protein complexes to block HIV and protect against jumping genes. This finding may lead to new approaches for controlling HIV infection.
Research suggests that HIV RNA levels have limited value in predicting CD4 cell count decrease and may not be a reliable marker for disease progression. The study found that only 4-6% of the rate of CD4 cell decline can be explained by presenting plasma HIV RNA level.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have successfully reversed myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by removing toxic RNA from muscle cells. The disease causes progressive muscle wasting and other symptoms in about 40,000 people worldwide.
Researchers have discovered the structure of a protein called nucleoprotein, which helps viruses like rabies evade the human immune system. The protein acts as a 'clamp' to protect the virus RNA from degradation by host enzymes.
A new study reveals that arthropod mitochondrial genomes exhibit nonstandard codes, including AGG translating to both serine and lysine. The research suggests that these changes may have occurred due to pairing disadvantages, potentially leading to the evolution of multiple alternative codes.
Researchers found that a protein called Y box-binding protein 1 binds to the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene, leading to changes in alternative RNA splicing. This process can result in diverse sets of RNA and proteins being produced from the same gene.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered two types of EJC complexes that determine how NMD deals with defective RNA molecules. The presence or absence of a protein called UPF2 affects the composition of the EJC, influencing how NMD recognizes and breaks down faulty RNAs.
Researchers at U Iowa successfully used RNA interference to prevent genetic deafness in mice, offering a potential new treatment for humans. The gene-silencing technique targets dominant negative mechanisms that cause deafness in humans.
Study reveals that heterochromatin forms despite lack of key RNA silencing components, indicating multiple pathways for chromosome regulation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing gene therapy to conquer chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects.
Researchers at Yale University have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the helicase function of the hepatitis C virus. By visualizing the behavior of the viral enzyme NS3, scientists discovered that it moves with a discontinuous stepping motion that alternates rapid translocation with pausing.
Researchers discovered a chromatin remodeling protein called DRD1 that enables RNA-directed DNA methylation in plants. This finding highlights the importance of chromatin remodeling in rendering nucleosomal DNA accessible to RNA signals and/or DNA methyltransferases.
Researchers found that adding clay to fatty acid micelles greatly accelerated vesicle formation, and even demonstrated growth and division in these physical-chemical systems. This discovery offers a possible pathway for the evolution of living cells, with implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth.
A live but weakened virus is being tested as a potential West Nile virus vaccine, with promising results showing high levels of protective antibodies in monkeys. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing the disease-causing virus while triggering a strong immune response.
Researchers have developed a canine model of nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis that closely resembles human conditions. The study found that histamine-induced nasal congestion in dogs was alleviated by α-adrenergic agonists, paving the way for testing new treatments.
A new gene therapy tool has shown promising results in treating mice with hemophilia A by correcting the faulty factor VIII gene. The technology uses RNA trans-splicing to produce normal factor VIII protein, offering a potential cure for this genetic disorder.
A study found that HIV-1 shedding in female genital secretions is common, with 57% of women having RNA present. High plasma RNA concentrations are the best predictor for risk of transmission. Women on antiretroviral therapy may still be at risk of transmitting the virus to their partners or babies.
Researchers pinpointed the gene on chromosome 3 that causes myotonic muscular dystrophy Type 2 (DM2), a complex disease affecting multiple systems. The discovery allows for the immediate development of a genetic test and paves the way for a more complete understanding and treatment of this form of muscular dystrophy.
A University of Florida study reveals that zinc supplements can increase the levels of genetic material in human immune cells, providing immediate protection against disease and stress. The research found a rapid response to zinc supplementation, with RNA levels increasing three times within 24 hours.