Add BrightSurf on Google Email

UZH scientists predict activity of human genes

Researchers at the University of Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that the nucleus acts as a passive filter to regulate gene activity, reducing random noise. By visualizing subtle physiological details with microscopic dyes, they were able to detect and predict the activity of individual genes in human cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell·DateDec 17, 2015

Genes for a longer, healthier life found

Researchers identified 30 genes influencing ageing process across three species, finding that blocking these genes extended lifespan by at least five percent. The bcat-1 gene, which degrades branched-chain amino acids, was found to be particularly influential in extending nematode lifespan.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2015

Decaying RNA molecules tell a story

Decaying RNA molecules provide a snapshot of how proteins are produced, with one end decaying while the other serves as a template for translation. Researchers have discovered that an enzyme degrading mRNA follows closely behind ribosomes, pausing at set points to allow translation to complete before degradation begins.

Messenger RNA-associated protein drives multiple paths in T-cell development

A new study found that an increase in CELF2 expression drives widespread changes in mRNA splicing during T-cell development, leading to physiologically important changes in proteins. The research provides unprecedented insight into the regulation of splicing during thymic development and reveals a biologic role for CELF2 in human T cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2015

New defense mechanism against viruses discovered

Researchers from ETH Zurich have discovered a new form of innate immune defence against certain RNA viruses, including those causing hepatitis C, yellow fever, and dengue fever. The NMD system, which is a quality control mechanism in cells, also serves as a general virus restriction mechanism in plants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 11, 2014

Protein 'rescues' stuck cellular factories

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a powerful data-crunching technique to understand how the protein Dom34 keeps defective genetic material from disrupting cellular functions. The study found that Dom34 'rescues' protein-making factories called ribosomes when they get stuck obeying defective genetic instructions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 19, 2014

New research provides insight into epilepsy

Scientists have discovered that microRNA-128 plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression in neurons, leading to increased neuron activity and epilepsy. The study used mice experiments to demonstrate the effects of reducing microRNA-128 levels, which can help hamper muscle activation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·DateDec 20, 2013

Peak production of rhythmic proteins occurs at 2 times of day

A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that a majority of rhythmic proteins are produced during two intervals of the circadian cycle, with proteins required for metabolism showing peak production during the day and those required for cell growth at night. This discovery provides new insights into the regulation of protein pro...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 5, 2013

2 genetic wrongs make a biochemical right

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that knocking out a gene important for mRNA translation restores memory deficits and reduces behavioral symptoms in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. The study suggests that the prime cause of the disease may be a translational imbalance, and restoration of this balance may be neces...

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 20, 2013

How untying knots promotes cancer

A breakthrough discovery reveals that high levels of the eIF4E protein can promote cancer by unwinding complex mRNA knots, allowing ribosomes to translate genetic code into proteins that trigger tumor growth. This understanding may lead to highly specific cancer treatments targeting growth-promoting cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2013

Mapping translation sites in the human genome

A team at Arizona State University has identified thousands of RNA sequences, known as Translation Enhancing Elements (TEEs), which initiate cap-independent translation in the human genome. These findings have significant implications for understanding protein synthesis and may hold potential for biomedical applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 16, 2013

Life underground

Researchers at University of Delaware and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found evidence of active bacteria, fungi and other microscopic organisms at depths deeper than a skyscraper is high. The microbes are reproducing, digesting food and moving around despite extreme conditions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2013