Articles tagged with Messenger Rna
A recent study found that up to a third of patients taking methotrexate had inadequate antibody levels after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This is compared to healthy participants and those on other immunomodulatory drugs, who showed an adequate immune response.
Researchers Lynne Maquat and Joan Steitz recognized for elucidating key functions of RNA, a workhorse molecule in cell function. Their discoveries inform RNA-based therapies for diseases like COVID-19 and muscular dystrophy.
A new study reveals how Ebola virus's VP40 protein uses human mRNA to transform into different shapes, adapting to various functions. This discovery sheds light on the fundamentals of genome-encoded information and highlights VP40 as a key vulnerability for effective therapies.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed an mRNA delivery system that effectively produces BDNF protein in rat brain to protect neurons from ischemia. The system, known as an mRNA nanomicelle, increases the survival of hippocampal neurons and shows long-term therapeutic benefits.
Researchers developed a tamper-proof temperature indicator to monitor mRNA vaccine storage conditions. The system can alert healthcare workers when the vaccine reaches an unsafe temperature for a certain period, ensuring effective distribution and use of the vaccine.
A Mayo Clinic study found that vaccinated patients without symptoms had an 80% lower adjusted risk of testing positive for COVID-19 after their last dose. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna messenger RNA vaccines showed efficacy in limiting the spread of COVID-19 among asymptomatic individuals.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel urine test to diagnose human kidney transplant rejection. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, demonstrates that exosomes isolated from urine samples can serve as a viable biomarker for kidney transplant rejection.
The article proposes reserving Johnson & Johnson vaccines for younger, healthier populations and boosting them with mRNA vaccinations for better efficacy. Boosting people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection also enhances their immune response.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel that slowly releases mRNA nanoparticles, activating T cells and stimulating antibody production in mice with melanoma. The treatment causes tumors to shrink and prevents metastasis, demonstrating great potential for long-lasting cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers at Seoul National University developed a synthetic protein quality control system in bacteria to increase the efficiency of protein production. This technology enhances full-length translation, leading to up to 250% increase in protein yield and over two-fold increase in target metabolite production levels.
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.
Researchers have identified a mechanism that allows Trypanosoma brucei to express only one surface protein variant, avoiding detection by the immune system. This finding has implications for understanding and potentially inhibiting antigenic variation in pathogens.
Researchers developed a new mRNA delivery platform using ZIF-8 nanoparticles that exhibit high mRNA loading capacity, successful endosomal escape, and synergistic GSH depletion. This approach upregulates mRNA translation and improves delivery efficiency compared to existing methods.
Researchers developed an mRNA vaccine that restored tolerance to self-proteins in mice with autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model for multiple sclerosis. The vaccine suppressed immune responses and promoted regulatory T cells to control the disease.
A specific region of messenger RNAs plays a crucial role in brain cell function. The study reveals an unusual EXAR (EXon-Activated Rescue) mechanism that secures this process, using ELAV and FNE proteins to determine neuronal transcript signatures.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new AI-based method for analyzing gene activity in tissues using graph neural networks. This approach enables the detection of new cell types and intra- or intercellular functions without prior knowledge of expected cell types, greatly expanding our understanding of cellular behavior.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have identified a biological trigger that promotes quicker nerve regeneration. The discovery highlights the importance of protein phosphorylation and Casein kinase 2-alpha (CK2α) in breaking down stress granules, allowing nerves to regrow faster.
A newly discovered quality control system in protein production prevents the translation of faulty messenger RNA fragments, thereby preventing the formation of toxic incomplete protein products. The discovery has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and may shed light on the underlying causes of such conditions.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have identified molecular differences in brain neurons that may support drug development for psychiatric disorders. The study focused on the mRNA set of two types of cortical neurons, revealing cell surface proteins that can be targeted to treat certain conditions.
A novel optical switch enables precise control over the lifespan of genetic copies by attaching aptamers to molecular markers. This method can be used to specifically switch off practically every mRNA molecule in a cell in a controlled manner, opening up new avenues for investigating dynamic processes in living cells.
A team of scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding the complex process of photosynthesis by discovering that mRNAs transport proteins to thylakoid membranes. This finding opens up new avenues for research into photobiotechnology.
The structure of the mRNA initiation complex provides new insights into cancer and disease processes. The discovery proposes a model for how mRNA is pulled through the ribosome for scanning, revealing that start codons need to be sufficiently far from the front end of the mRNA.
Researchers found that CNOT3 protein silences genes that cause insulin-producing cells to malfunction, leading to diabetes. Knocking out CNOT3 in mice results in the development of diabetes due to the activation of normally silenced genes.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus modifies its messenger RNA cap to evade cell recognition, leading to a new target for antiviral drugs. Researchers at UT Health San Antonio deciphered the structure of an enzyme involved in this process, providing a foundation for designing effective treatments.
Researchers have developed modified mRNAs with sulfur atoms that accelerate protein synthesis by at least 20 times, paving the way for efficient protein production and mRNA therapeutics. This breakthrough has significant implications for medical treatments, including vaccine therapy and protein replacement therapy.
Researchers from Innovation Center of NanoMedicine and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science are developing an mRNA vaccine with immunostimulatory adjuvant functionality. The technology uses smart nanomachines to produce vaccines efficiently and at a low cost, tackling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and potential future new co...
A Northwestern University team uncovered a common mechanism regulating gene expression during development, linking stochasticity to physical constraints. The researchers found that bursts of natural randomness impact protein levels and developmental outcomes.
Researchers at Kobe University have developed an exon-skipping therapy using antisense oligonucleotides to treat Alport Syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing urinary protein levels and suppressing kidney failure in model mice with severe mutations.
Scientists found rare codons at the beginning of a sequence do not enhance translation, contrary to previous hypotheses. However, additional start codons and specific sequences like Shine-Dalgarno boxes are beneficial for efficient translation.
The study found that an mRNA molecule's lifetime is correlated with the rate of protein synthesis, and a key protein complex plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to identify the molecular basis for the link between mRNA degradation and ribosomal efficiency.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered the unique structure and function of rotavirus VP3, a protein that integrates five enzymatic activities for capping mRNA. This breakthrough enables the design of antiviral drugs to counter rotavirus infection, which causes diarrhea in children worldwide.
Scientists identified a new control mechanism that enables stem cells to adapt their activity in emergency situations by modifying protein blueprints. Alternative polyadenylation regulates the amount of protein produced and controls protein isoform formation, affecting stability and localization.
Researchers have found that squid edit their genetic instructions outside the nucleus, in the axon, allowing for localized protein function adjustments. This discovery has implications for understanding neurological disorders and potentially harnessing natural RNA editing processes for therapeutic benefits.
Researchers found that changes in RNA splicing and protein Lark affect the production of messenger RNA, crucial for fighting gut infections. Genetic variants also modulate gene expression levels in response to infection.
Restoring p53 using synthetic mRNA nanoparticles delays the growth of lung and liver cancer cells and makes them susceptible to available cancer drugs. The approach may also make tumors more vulnerable to cancer drugs known as mTOR inhibitors.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used a new sequencing method to identify a sea of previously invisible RNA molecules that may play a role in aging processes. The study found that these cyclic-phosphate containing RNAs (cP-RNAs) are abundantly expressed throughout the body and change in number as tissues age.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have made a breakthrough in identifying diseased beta cells in type 2 diabetes by uncovering the role of m6A mRNA methylation. The discovery has significant research and therapeutic implications, offering new insights into how the disease progresses.
Heather Pua, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has received a 2019 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's New Innovator Award. She will investigate the role of extracellular RNAs in allergic airway inflammation, with potential implications for new therapies and diagnostics.
A biophysical study reveals that enzyme ABCE1 adopts multiple structural conformations during ribosome recycling, enabling it to dissociate ribosomal subunits. This process is crucial for the recycling of ribosomes after each round of translation.
Researchers at Uppsala University have elucidated the anatomy of a standby site and its requirements in bacterial protein synthesis. The study revealed that ribosomal protein S1 guides the ribosome to a single-stranded region and a short RNA hairpin, enabling translation through downstream RNA structure.
Scientists discover that UDP-glucose accelerates SNAI1 mRNA decay, impairing lung cancer metastasis. The study also uncovers how UDP-glucose converts to UDP-glucuronic acid, enhancing SNAI1 mRNA stability and promoting tumor cell migration.
A new study found that transfer RNA-derived fragments play a significant role in gene expression, differing by cancer type and sex of the patient. The mitochondrion is involved in these interactions, particularly with repetitive elements.
A new study led by Juana Díez has discovered a common regulator, Xrn1, that connects the three main stages of gene expression. This common coordinator prevents toxic aggregations in membrane proteins, ensuring the cell's robustness against genetic alterations.
Researchers found that active genes restrict DNA movement by organizing it into a network of interconnected domains. Chromatin becomes more mobile when gene transcription is inhibited or cells enter quiescence.
Researchers have created a new CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system that reduces off-target effects and improves gene editing efficiency. The 'hit and run' approach delivers Cas9 activity transiently, allowing for highly efficient genome editing while minimizing unwanted results.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism underlying the control of gene expression in all living organisms. Transcriptional pausing by RNA polymerase provides a 'roadblock' to help regulate gene expression levels, which could aid our understanding of antibacterial drugs and future synthetic gene design.
This study investigates the role of miRNAs in cardio-protective effects of halogenated anesthetics, a widely used cardiac surgery agent. The expression profile of miRNAs is modulated by perioperative administration of these anesthetics.
Researchers at MIT found a mysterious RNA buildup in neurons that increases with age, reducing protein production and potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery was made using a novel technique that allowed them to isolate and sequence messenger RNA from specific types of cells.
A recent study discovered a genetic regulatory mechanism that controls the production of interferon beta, which causes inflammation and activates immune cells. Interfering with specific enzymes involved in RNA methylation may represent a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases.
A team of Université de Montreal researchers has visualized RNA molecule organization in cells using super-resolution microscopy. They found that messenger RNAs exist in multiple configurations, contradicting the long-standing model of a stable closed-loop conformation.
A study published in Nature reveals that the RNA modification m6A facilitates learning and memory in mice by promoting translation through the Ythdf1 reader protein. The researchers found that knockout mice showed significant deficits in spatial learning and fear memory, but these deficits were reversible upon re-expression of Ythdf1.
An international team of researchers has determined the function of a new family of proteins associated with cancer and autism. The study found that these proteins, including MCT-1 and DENR, play a crucial role in regulating protein production by acting as translation factors for uORF-containing mRNA.
Researchers created a mathematical model that captures cellular intent by analyzing mRNA changes over time. This approach helps analyze cell function, disease, and organ development, providing insights into treatment efficacy.
Researchers have developed a more sensitive single-cell RNA sequencing method, mcSCRB-seq, to analyze the functional state of individual cells. This technique provides a molecular fingerprint of each cell's mRNA population, revealing its protein-making capacity and gene regulation.
Researchers from University of North Carolina and University of Auckland have made a significant advance in resolving the mystery of genetic translation. Their analysis reveals previously hidden rules by which key translational molecules interact, suggesting that simpler ancestors of these molecules worked together at the dawn of life.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a gated recurrent neural network to decipher RNA's connections to human health and disease. The model, called mRNN, outperformed existing methods in predicting protein-coding potential and identified special codons that indicate protein synthesis.
Biologists identify how mixed nucleotide tails in mRNA delay its shortening, acting as a shield against premature degradation. This discovery could bring new insights into gene regulation and potential RNA-based gene therapy methods.
Scientists found microRNA changes detectable in mice before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear. The study suggests microRNA-142 may be a key biomarker for the condition.
Researchers have discovered how messenger RNAs are transported out of the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes, a process that occurs in just a fraction of a second. The study also sheds light on how mutations affect protein stability and could lead to the design of therapeutic drugs for motor neuron diseases.
Researchers developed novel strategies to engineer more stable and active proteins, enhancing mRNA therapy potential. Sequence engineering improved protein expression, duration, and enzymatic activity in mice.