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New study advances dry mRNA vaccine patch design

A new study at RMIT University has identified conditions that help protect mRNA particles in dry vaccine patches, providing practical guidance for future patch design. This research could make future mRNA vaccines easier to store and distribute, particularly in lower-resource settings where cold-chain logistics are a barrier.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

How faulty mRNA is destroyed

Researchers have identified a crucial mechanism behind nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which removes faulty transcripts to prevent incomplete protein production. The study reveals that the SMG5 and SMG6 proteins interact directly, forming an endonuclease that cuts through RNA in a targeted manner.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Uncovering the structural and regulatory mechanisms underlying translation arrest

Two previously unknown ribosome-arresting peptides (RAPs), PepNL and NanCL, were identified in E. coli, inducing translation arrest through a unique mini-hairpin conformation in the exit tunnel of the ribosome. This discovery provides valuable insights into deciphering the hidden genetic codes within polypeptide sequences.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2025

How cells control gene expression by cleaning up their mistakes

Cells produce three times as many 'unproductive' transcripts with mistakes or unexpected configurations as they do steady-state, finished RNA. These unproductive transcripts are quickly destroyed by a cellular process called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), which suggests the cell intentionally makes mistakes to regulate gene expression....

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2024

Research shows how RNA 'junk' controls our genes

Researchers at Arizona State University created a detailed map of the 3'UTR regions of RNA in C. elegans, revealing crucial elements for gene regulation and protein production. The study provides valuable insights into the machinery of gene control, shedding light on fundamental biological processes essential to human health and disease.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Giant viruses found on Greenland ice sheet

Giant viruses have been found living on the surface ice and snow of Greenland, regulating algae growth. These viruses, which are larger than bacteria and have a much bigger genome, feed on snow algae and could work as a natural control mechanism to reduce ice melting caused by algal blooms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Tiny brain bubbles carry complete codes

Scientists discovered that tiny brain bubbles called small extracellular vesicles carry more complete instructions for altering cellular function than previously thought. Researchers found nearly 80% of identified mRNAs were full-length, allowing them to be transcribed by recipient cells into viable proteins.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

The underestimated mutation potential of retrogenes

A new study reveals that retrogenes, which are inserted into the genome via reverse transcription of mRNA molecules, can have a profound impact on genetic diversity. These retrogenes can act as regulatory mutations, negatively influencing the original gene's mRNA and causing harm to organisms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2021

Dynamic plants

Researchers identify NAD+ capping as a key regulator of RNA stability in plants, allowing them to dynamically respond to environmental cues and stress. This process is similar to what has been found in mammalian cells, with implications for understanding plant development and response to hormone signals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 7, 2020

Getting to the core of reovirus

Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute solved the structure of the reovirus core, a double-stranded RNA virus that bears similarity to pathogens such as rotavirus. The study reveals how the core synthesizes, modifies, and exports viral messenger RNA, ultimately leading to viral replication and takeover of host cells.