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SARS-CoV-2 protein targeted by immune cells also triggers response in bat Coronaviruses

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2022

Penn Medicine researchers develop new method to increase effectiveness of nanomedicines

Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new method to prevent the body's proteins from attacking treatment-carrying nanoparticles, allowing for more effective delivery of therapies. By coating nanoparticles with natural suppressors of complement activation, such as Factor I, the team has shown improved protection against immune ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

mRNA vaccines highly effective at preventing death from COVID-19, less effective at preventing infection

Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a way to selectively turn on gene therapies in target cells by detecting specific messenger RNA sequences. This technology can fine-tune gene therapies for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to cancer treatment, potentially reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2021

Discovery of a universal system for transporting nucleic acids into cells

A team of researchers from IOCB Prague has discovered a new type of nanoparticles capable of safely transporting various types of nucleic acids used for therapeutic purposes into cells. The universal nature of their system sets it apart from existing solutions, allowing for efficient transport of mRNA and other RNA molecules into cells.

Three-layered control of mRNA tails

A new study reveals that multiple pathways regulate poly(A) tail lengths in yeast, involving poly(A) binding proteins and a self-regulating pathway. This discovery sheds light on the complex control of mRNA tails and their impact on protein production.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Deciphering the impacts of small RNA interactions in individual bacterial cells

Researchers deciphered the impacts of sRNA interactions on individual bacterial cells, revealing minor effects from base-pairing interactions and significant effects from disruptions in Hfq binding. The study used high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging to understand the regulation of gene expression under ...

Scientists use CRISPR to knock down gene messages early in development

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR technique that allows them to target and reduce specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules involved in early embryonic development. This approach enables the study of genes that were previously difficult or impossible to manipulate, and has shown promise for understanding infertility and development...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 7, 2020

Nanomachines are taught to fight cancer

New DNA-based nanomachines can selectively target malignant cells, breaking down vital genes and inducing apoptotic death. The design allows for better interaction with folded RNA molecules, but further experiments are needed to improve specificity.

SourceITMO University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 7, 2019

Attacking RNA with small-molecule drugs

Researchers at Yale University have made significant breakthroughs in targeting RNA with small-molecule drugs, identifying unique pockets within self-splicing ribozymes found in fungi. This discovery opens up new avenues for treating fungal infections and drug-resistant bacteria.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 15, 2018

Viral RNA sensing

Scientists have created a nanosized sensing probe for RNA molecules using DNA origami and gold nanorods. The probe can detect concentrations as low as 100 picomolar of the target RNA, making it a promising diagnostic tool for viral infections.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 19, 2018

Molecular movies of RNA guide drug discovery

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique to capture RNA molecules in precise images, revealing new opportunities for drug discovery. The method identifies potential anti-HIV compounds from millions of possibilities, showcasing its accuracy and potential to treat various ailments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 4, 2018

Troubleshooting the gene targeting process

Researchers have developed a predictive software that can identify the most effective ways to target genes with CRISPR-Cas9. The software hierarchically ranks guide RNA effectiveness based on experimental data from human genomes, speeding up the gene-editing process and improving accuracy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 13, 2015

Ovarian cancer-specific markers set the stage for early diagnosis, personalized treatments

Researchers at University of California, San Diego, have identified six mRNA isoforms that distinguish ovarian cancer cells from normal cells, offering potential for early diagnosis and targeted therapies. The study's findings may also lead to new therapeutic targets and more effective treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2015

New target for anticancer drugs: RNA

Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified a new target for cancer drugs in messenger RNA molecules, which carry unique tags that can be targeted to regulate translation. These tagged mRNAs play a key role in controlling cell growth and differentiation, making them potential targets for new anticancer therapies.