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Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Institute for Biological Research develop an mRNA-based vaccine against a deadly bacterium

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Institute for Biological Research have developed an mRNA-based vaccine against pneumonic plague, a disease caused by Yersinia pestis. The vaccine showed 100% protection in animal models and offers hope for combating other lethal bacteria.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 9, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal Review highlights novel pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials in cancer treatment targeting internal N6-methyladenosine and N7-methylguanine

Researchers highlight the role of post-transcriptional RNA modifications in AML pathogenesis, identifying m6A and m7G regulators as potential therapeutic targets. Targeted therapies, including selective inhibitors and Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds, show promise in promoting cell differentiation and reversing AML phenotypes.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2024

Novel biological mechanism discovered that could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders, cancers

Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have identified a novel biological mechanism that regulates mitochondrial function through RNA methylation. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for neurological diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and autism, as well as various cancers.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateApr 4, 2024

RNA modification ‘pivotal’ for protein linked to neurodegeneration in ALS

A study found that RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration in ALS. The researchers observed highly abundant RNA methylation in the end-stage tissues of patients with ALS. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the disease, which is linked to environmental exposure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Mice show METTL in DNA blood repair

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered METTL16's role in DNA repair and erythropoiesis, a process generating 200 billion new red blood cells daily. Tiny methyl groups on specific mRNAs play a pivotal role in this process, involving mechanisms mediated by RNA-binding proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Dressing up RNA molecules to last

A new mechanism has been discovered that decorates the end tails of RNA molecules in a parasite causing sleeping sickness, preventing their degradation and potentially increasing virulence. This fundamental discovery opens new avenues for treatment strategies for this disease, as well as other RNA-based infections/diseases.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

​​​​​​​Research sheds light on mysterious messenger RNA modifications

Scientists have discovered that mRNA modifications play a crucial role in the brain's reward learning process and transporting mRNAs to synapses. The study found that removing these modifications impaired flies' ability to learn essential survival skills, highlighting the importance of these modifications in animal function.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

How diet controls RNA maturation

Researchers at UNIGE discovered a new mechanism for regulating RNA maturation dependent on diet, finding that methylation of specific mRNA sequences leads to its degradation. This control mechanism ensures a fair balance of methylations and prevents aberrant reactions, which can cause diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 2021

Hypoxia, a feature inside solid cancer tumors, reprograms methylation of ribosomal RNAs

Researchers found that hypoxia upregulates RNA polymerase I activity and alters ribosomal RNA methylation patterns, leading to the creation of specialized ribosomes that can differentially regulate translation of specific messenger RNAs. The study supports a long-debated postulate that ribosomal protein factories can be reprogrammed in...

A new RNA catalyst from the lab

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a ribozyme that can transfer methyl groups to target RNAs, shedding light on an interesting aspect of evolution. The discovery may mimic a ribozyme that could have been lost in nature, and has potential applications for understanding RNA structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2020