Articles tagged with Introns
A newly discovered jumping gene in a bacterial predator allows it to transfer genes to other species via circular RNA. This process accelerates evolution and challenges current understanding of horizontal gene transfer.
Researchers have discovered a previously underappreciated mechanism that helps immune cells respond rapidly to infections by altering RNA splicing. This study provides new insights into immune-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and may lead to more targeted therapies.
Researchers used long-read sequencing to analyze the nuclear genome of Amorphochlora amoebiformis, revealing an extremely high proportion of introns (74%) compared to other eukaryotic genomes. The study provides important insights into the evolutionary dynamics and potential functional roles of introns in eukaryotic genomes.
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.
Two molecular control factors, GPATCH1 and DHX35, ensure accurate splicing by recognizing and rejecting defective pre-mRNAs. This process prevents the production of incorrectly synthesized proteins.
Researchers in the Galej Group at EMBL Grenoble have provided new structural insights into the U11 snRNP subunit of the minor spliceosome, revealing its ability to specifically identify rare substrates. The study sheds light on the complex assembly pathway of the minor spliceosome, which is critical for processing minor introns in genes.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that certain tRNA introns suppress gene expression, helping cells respond to oxidative stress. The discovery sheds light on the potential importance of these previously thought-to-be-junk RNA segments in maintaining cellular evolutionary survival.
Researchers discovered that phage viruses have weaponized mobile introns to sabotage competing viruses' reproduction. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolution of genomes and developing effective phage therapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers found a correlation between protein folding and evolution in certain globular protein families, with most conserved exons corresponding to better foldons. However, the general trend did not hold for all protein families, suggesting other biological factors may influence protein folding and evolution.
Researchers discovered that spliceosomes, responsible for removing introns from genes, can remain active and engage with removed introns, potentially reinserting them into the genome. This finding suggests a possible role of spliceosomes in our DNA recycling and adds complexity to the genome.
A novel mechanism for splicing human short introns has been discovered using the SAP30BP-RBM17 complex. The researchers confirmed that the established pre-mRNA splicing mechanism cannot work in a subset of human short introns.
Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
A new study led by UCSC scientists suggests that introners are the source of most introns across species, providing a plausible explanation for their vast majority. The researchers found evidence of introners in 5.2% of surveyed eukaryotic species and suggest they may be a fundamental mechanism driving genomic complexity.
Researchers discovered a gene mutation that causes faulty RNA processing in worms, leading to increased longevity. The PUF60 gene affects the mTOR signalling pathway, which regulates cell metabolism and has been a target for anti-aging drugs.
A team of researchers has identified a novel splicing mechanism for human short introns, involving the distinct factor SPF45. This discovery sheds light on alternative splicing and its potential applications in cancer treatment.
A study by Karan Bedi and colleagues found that RNA splicing is inefficient, leaving many intronic sequences unspliced. The team analyzed Bru-seq data from six cell lines and identified variable patterns of splicing across genes and cell types.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified the key cellular change that leads to harmful astrocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The discovery could lead to new therapies to slow disease progression and is also relevant to other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Understanding this c...
Researchers at Northwestern University have found evidence deep within the skin about the mechanisms controlling skin repair and renewal. The study revealed that non-coding segments of DNA, previously considered 'genetic junk', play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in epidermal stem cells.
A study of human and mouse genes reveals a link between intron phase and length, shedding light on the functioning of brain cells. Long phase 1 introns found in genes involved in nerve impulse transmission may play a key role in this process.
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology discovered a key mechanism controlling muscle stem cell dormancy, involving the release of conserved introns upon activation. This discovery sheds light on the importance of Intron Retention (IR) in regulating gene expression and stem cell quiescence.
Scientists developed a novel method to create zebrafish with conditional gene knockout and knock-in switches in one step. The strategy uses CRISPR/Cas9-mediated non-HR insertion, allowing for efficient targeting of specific genes and the creation of reporter lines with fluorescent markers.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that nuclear stress bodies help cells recover from stress by regulating intron retention, a process essential for gene expression. The discovery sheds light on the mysterious organelles' role in stress response and has implications for understanding various biological functions.
A study led by CU School of Medicine researcher Rui Zhao sheds light on the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing, a complex process that converts precursor mRNA into mature mRNA for protein production. The research proposes a unified model explaining three fundamental phenomena in pre-mRNA splicing without requiring different spliceosomes.
Researchers are studying how cells remove non-coding junk DNA to make sense of the remaining RNA instructions. By examining how simple organisms perform this task, scientists can gain insights into more complex lifeforms, including humans, and develop RNA-based therapeutics for diseases.
Researchers reconstruct 3D image of group II introns to uncover large-scale molecular movement associated with RNA catalysis. This discovery provides key insights into the evolutionary origins of RNA splicing and its impact on human disease.
Researchers discovered that retrotransposons and nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) interacted to create a selection pressure that helped lead to the emergence of advanced life. This interaction enabled eukaryotes to mix and match genes, creating more complicated functions.
Splicing errors can lead to faulty proteins, increasing disease risk. Researchers analyzed 32,000 DNA sequences to understand the rules guiding RNA processing and improve predictions of genetic mutations' impact on disease risk.
A study by a Danish-German research team reveals that modified RNA bases play a crucial role in controlling gene expression from DNA to functional RNA. The researchers used a newly developed technique to label newly made RNA with the m6A modification, demonstrating its impact on RNA maturation and splicing efficiency.
Researchers developed a new technique called intron seqFISH that allows for the imaging of over 10,000 genes within single cells. This technique provides precise and instantaneous snapshots of single cells, revealing that gene expression oscillates globally across many genes on a surprisingly short timescale.
A dedicated transport system has been characterized that delivers specific mRNAs to active synapses, allowing for the modulation of synaptic junctions and enabling learning and memory. The key factor involved in this transport binds specifically to regions of its mRNA cargo lacking protein-coding information.
Scientists discovered that genetic material known as introns can play a dramatic role in plant gene activity. Introns act as volume control for some essential genes, making them silent when removed. This finding suggests that many genes may not have a traditional on/off switch.
Researchers found that intron sequences promote heterochromatin structure formation, leading to improved chromosome segregation during cell division. This discovery has significant implications for understanding diseases caused by chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
A team of researchers has captured the first direct observation of diplonemids, a diverse group of single-celled hunters in the ocean. These microbes are found to be abundant, diverse and hunt both bacteria and larger algae.
A recent SISSA/CNR-IOM study reconstructed the cleavage process for group II introns using computer simulations, shedding light on the human spliceosome's complex mechanism. The research provides valuable information for fighting diseases related to aberrant splicing, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at UT Austin detected a rare event of intron gain in the genome, which could expand our understanding of gene expression and its impact on diseases like cancer. The study found that only two instances of intron addition occurred over nearly half a trillion attempts.
Scientists have developed a technique to capture rapidly evolving intronic regions of the genome, increasing knowledge of evolution in difficult groups. The new method resolved evolutionary relationships between closely related Heuchera species, previously impossible to infer.
Researchers have discovered that the timing and coordination of cell division are crucial for normal development, particularly in early embryonic stages. Fast-dividing cells require genes without introns to efficiently produce proteins.
A recent study discovered that IRX3 controls body mass and regulates body composition, with obesity-associated FTO introns interacting with IRX3. Mice without the IRX3 gene were significantly leaner due to reduced fat and improved glucose processing.
Scientists have identified a key role for protein Rnpc3 in the growth of organs during zebrafish development, revealing insights into the causes of Taybi-Linder syndrome. Minor class splicing is critical for gene expression regulation, with defects potentially affecting multiple genes.
The study found that cartilaginous fish, including the elephant shark, have slower rates of intron evolution than invertebrates. This suggests a general characteristic of vertebrates and helps clarify relationships between different jawed vertebrate groups. The findings provide unique insights into gnathostome evolution.
Researchers identified two genetic variations in the MAPT gene associated with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the Chinese Han population. Patients with these variations were more prone to bulbar palsy and breathing difficulties than those with the wild-type genotype.
Researchers from Brandeis University and UMMS discovered that the spliceosome's major components can attach in any order, eliminating the need for precise communication. This breakthrough sheds light on the process of RNA splicing, a crucial step in protein synthesis, and holds promise for understanding diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Researchers discovered a new aspect of the gene-splicing process that produces messenger RNA, controlled by the rare small RNA U6atac. This mechanism regulates hundreds of genes involved in cell growth, cell-cycle control, and global physiology.
A study published in Cell has confirmed that non-coding DNA, previously considered 'junk', plays a crucial role in regulating cell development. The researchers found that certain white blood cells use introns to control the activity of genes involved in their function.
A new study reveals snippets of information in dark matter that can alter the way a gene is assembled. This discovery opens doors to studying the dark matter of genes and further understanding how mutations or polymorphisms affect gene functions.
Researchers used information theory to identify DNA introns and exons, achieving an order of magnitude speedup over previous methods. This breakthrough can help better understand the human genome and predict diseases linked to DNA.
Plant pathologists discovered a gene with varying intron lengths in fungus M. graminicola, challenging conventional models of intron presence-absence polymorphisms. The study sheds light on genome evolution and suggests natural selection may play a role in intron fixation.
Researchers at Uppsala University have examined the mechanism of gene transcription and found that genes active in the brain are transcribed with a special mechanism. During fetal development, there is a larger proportion of RNA molecules containing introns compared to fully developed brains.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism in regulating human genes by enabling pre-mRNA splicing. The U2AF protein plays a crucial role in this process, which involves the cooperation of different proteins to remove introns and form mature mRNA. This process is essential for genetic information flow from DNA to RNA to proteins.
Scientists identified a class of RNAs called CIRTs that target genetic building blocks to guide protein synthesis in nerve cell dendrites. This discovery provides clues for understanding brain disorders and highlights the potential impact of viral infections on normal cellular function.
The study found that over one-third of genes affected by TDP-43 are involved in the central nervous system. The protein also affects alternative splicing of many genes, including its own RNA message. This loss of regulation leads to more TDP-43 accumulation and neuron damage.
Recent research by Farlow and colleagues reveals a fundamental change in understanding the evolution of DNA, suggesting that DNA repair mechanisms may drive intron variation. The study proposes an alternative explanation for the observed range of intron numbers across species, providing a new perspective on the role of junk DNA.
A novel form of splicing in the cytoplasm of nerve cells dictates a special form of a potassium channel protein in the outer membrane, essential for coordinating electrical firing of nerve cells. This discovery highlights the importance of introns in regulating protein diversity and has implications for brain diseases such as epilepsy.
The spliceosome, a giant complex of RNA and protein subunits, assembles and operates to remove unwanted genetic material and join the remaining pieces. Researchers spied on the process using FRET and observed reversible contortions in the presence of energy.
Researchers studying the model organism Daphnia pulex found that introns are inserted into the genome far more frequently than predicted, with many sequences of unknown origin. The study identified 'hot spots' for intron insertion and discovered parallel intron gains in independent genotypes.
Researchers discovered that U1, a guiding RNA molecule, can 'slide' one base to recognize atypical splice sites, explaining the genetic error in PCH. This shift enables U1 to form stronger matches with divergent sequences.
A new computer program trains itself to predict genes in fungal DNA sequences, improving accuracy and efficiency. The program uses a probabilistic mathematical model to pinpoint boundaries between coding and non-coding sequences.
Researchers at Yale University have visualized the crystal structure of group II introns, a type of RNA that catalyzes its own removal during gene maturation. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of mRNA splicing in humans and shares a close evolutionary heritage with ancient bacteria.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified an important molecular mechanism guiding nerve-cell electrical channels. The discovery suggests that RNA-associated introns play a critical role in regulating gene expression and controlling the number of channel proteins produced.
Scientists have discovered that human proteins evolve slowly due to dual coding regions in their DNA, which slows down the rate of evolution. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective gene therapy techniques and potentially treat genetic disorders.