Researchers found proofreading molecules apply physical tension to RNA, preventing splicing errors and enabling alternative splicing sites. This mechanism regulates splice site choice, shifting the perspective on the realm of possible activities for this class of enzymes.
A new study published in Nature finds that an extra letter in RNA, m1A, regulates gene expression and is linked to increased protein synthesis. Thousands of genes are decorated by this modification, allowing cells to control the expression of proteins needed for key biological processes.
A team of scientists has uncovered greater intricacy in protein signaling than previously understood, shedding light on the nature of genetic production. The research found that both protein synthesis and mRNA production are highly regulated processes, with different patterns and responses to outside stimuli.
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.
Researchers at OIST discovered a molecular mechanism involved in storing and burning fat. They found that mice lacking two specific genes remain lean even after eating a high-fat diet due to increased expression of Ucp1, which helps convert stored fat into heat.
Researchers at Arizona State University have created a worldwide resource to explore genes' deep and hidden messages, specifically the untranslated elements (UTRs) of the human genome. The UTRome library contains over 1,400 human 3'UTRs and is freely available for researchers to study gene regulation and disease.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism in regulating cell survival by controlling mRNA stability, shedding light on programmed cell death mechanisms. The study suggests that the CCR4-NOT complex plays a vital role in maintaining cellular integrity and that its component protein CNOT3 is crucial for cell viability.
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.
Researchers found that ribosomes can translate the 'untranslated region' of mRNA, producing small proteins whose functions are unknown. This discovery opens up new questions about cancer cell growth and how cells respond to stress.
Researchers at UofSC have identified a molecular pathway that promotes nerve regeneration in the central nervous system, bridging the recovery gap between peripheral and central nerves. The discovery could lead to new treatments for spinal cord and brain injuries.
Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have found a way to identify and silence 'jumping genes' that can alter the genetic code, using tiny RNA molecules called piRNA. These piRNAs guide proteins to destroy the genes, preventing uncontrolled changes in DNA.
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.
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.
Researchers have developed a new fluorescence microscopy technique that shows where and when proteins are produced in individual cells. The technique allows direct observation of messenger RNA molecules being translated into proteins, shedding light on protein synthesis irregularities contributing to human diseases.
Researchers have discovered that the three-dimensional structures of mRNAs determine their stability and efficiency inside cells. This knowledge could help explain minor mutations causing neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists have found evidence that ribosomes are not just passive translators of DNA but also have their own genetic information and may be responsible for creating proteins. The discovery challenges traditional views on the evolution of life and suggests a new spin on feeling kinship with other creatures.
A team of researchers discovered a protein called Rqc2 that specifies which amino acids are added to stalled proteins, blurring the lines of what we thought proteins could do. The study suggests potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, or Huntington's.
Researchers discovered that Ranbp9 controls the correct processing of mRNA molecules after their synthesis from thousands of genes involved in sperm production. This finding places Ranbp9 as a master regulator of sperm production.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School will explore the molecular basis of Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 4,000 males and females. They aim to identify therapeutic targets by investigating three molecules that slow down mRNA translation in mice.
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.
Duke University researchers found that stressed cells slow down protein production, reshuffle their workload, and clean up misfolded proteins. This response mechanism could shed light on diseases caused by misfolded proteins.
Researchers have found that plants can exchange thousands of mRNA molecules, allowing them to freely communicate and potentially dictate what the host plant should do. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling parasitic weeds that affect food crops in poor regions.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered a new process in human genes that can alter protein contents and functions. This process, known as programmed ribosomal frameshifting, may help the body regulate its immune response and prevent harmful side effects.
Researchers identified a protein called CFIm25, which regulates messenger RNA length and promotes tumor growth. Restoring CFIm25 levels in brain tumors dramatically reduced their growth, providing a potential novel therapeutic strategy.
Researchers develop a new ISH method, called RNAscope ISH, for rapid and sensitive localization of mRNA molecules in plant tissues. This approach is faster and highly sensitive than traditional methods, allowing for precise quantification of gene expression.
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.
Researchers identified 450 variants of neurexin proteins, offering new evidence on their role in forming synapses. The study suggests that these protein variants contribute to the diversity of synaptic connections, paving the way for further research into neurological disorders.
A team at Harvard University developed a new method to pinpoint thousands of mRNA molecules within intact cells, revealing their sequence and function. This breakthrough could lead to earlier cancer diagnosis and better understanding of tissue development.
Researchers discovered that a well-known protein UPF1 controls the biological circuit to determine whether an immature neural cell remains in a stem-like state or becomes a functional neuron. The study's findings have significant implications for developing new therapies for neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
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.
Researchers at SISSA have developed a mathematical model of protein synthesis, revealing that the process is more stochastic than previously thought. This new understanding sheds light on the random component influencing protein translation times, which can affect the efficiency of the process.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a mouse model with fluorescently tagged beta-actin mRNA, allowing them to observe the molecular processes that culminate in memories. The study revealed a novel mechanism by which brain neurons control the synthesis of beta-actin protein.
A recent study by UChicago scientists reveals how the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on mRNA affects the half-life of mRNA, regulating cellular protein quantities. This discovery could provide fundamental insights into healthy functioning and disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and infertility.
Researchers have discovered that neuronal RNA granules are highly heterogeneous and dynamic in their composition, containing proteins that repress protein synthesis. This uncoupling of mRNA transport from protein production is essential for learning and memory, and has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
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.
Researchers found that messenger RNA can take a two-way journey down the cell's cytoskeleton, delivering proteins to specific locations and avoiding diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and Fragile X syndrome. This flexible navigation allows mRNA to bypass obstacles and reach its intended destination.
Researchers find RNA, not protein, catalyzes eukaryotic gene splicing, increasing complexity in higher organisms. This discovery enriches the 'RNA world' origin hypothesis, suggesting life on earth began with RNA-based systems.
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...
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...
Scientists have discovered that protein translation in dendrites is complex and dictates by translational hotspots, not solely when RNA is present. This finding may inform neurological and psychiatric illness therapeutics.
Researchers analyzed the riboproteome to gain a better understanding of translation and its impact on cancer. The study uncovered dynamic components of the ribosome that can be altered in cancer, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
A team of scientists has developed a synthetic mRNA that induces self-repair and regeneration of the infarcted heart in mice. The study shows that this approach can lead to long-term therapeutic effects, including improved survival following myocardial infarction.
Researchers from McGill University have confirmed a 50-year-old hypothesis on the RNA double helix structure, revealing its potential applications in biological nanomaterials and supramolecular chemistry. The discovery may lead to new possibilities for genetic information storage and treatment of diseases like HIV and AIDS.
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.
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.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center discovered a new layer of complexity in human gene expression, finding a single gene that encodes two separate proteins from the same mRNA sequence. This discovery could lead to a therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia type-6 (SCA6), a neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have trapped the ribosome in a key transitional state, allowing them to see how it translates genetic code into proteins without mistakes. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new antibiotics and has significant implications for the origin of life.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a mechanism that allows cells to read their own DNA in the correct direction and prevents most of the so-called 'junk DNA' from copying into RNA. This process helps explain the existence of many recently discovered types of short strands of RNA whose function is unknown.
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.
Researchers found evidence of actively metabolizing and proliferating bacteria, archaea, and fungi in the deep biosphere, with implications for global biogeochemical cycles. The study revealed diverse biochemical pathways and movement mechanisms, including flagellar-driven locomotion and gliding.
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.
Researchers at EMBL discovered that each gene can be transcribed into dozens or hundreds of unique mRNA molecules with different boundaries, affecting gene function and protein production. This variation could equip cells to adapt to external challenges.
Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that hsa-miR-146a is overexpressed in most metastatic bladder cancer tumors. This tiny miRNA molecule plays a crucial role in making bladder cancer more aggressive.
Researchers at Drexel University have identified two key molecules involved in promoting nerve cell growth and branching after injury. By manipulating the expression of these molecules, they were able to induce longer and more branched axons, which is essential for restoring nerve function.
Scientists have identified a complex of three molecules that regulates the production of defective Huntingtin protein, a key contributor to Huntington's disease. By targeting this complex with pharmaceuticals, it may be possible to directly affect the production of defective proteins and treat the underlying causes of the disease.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that DNA transcription produces mRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) pairs, which are transcribed coordinately as stem cells differentiate into other cell types. The finding could redefine our understanding of gene organization and regulation.
Researchers discover cancerous mRNA's poly(A) tails can evade the body's safeguards, allowing it to escape regulatory mechanisms. This discovery opens up a new avenue for understanding how genes are activated or inactivated without mutations.
Researchers find that certain RNAs can pause without being degraded, enabling protein production, and suggesting multiple proteins could be made from the same mRNA
Researchers from the University of Sheffield and Harvard Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery on the TREX protein system, which acts as a passport for mRNA transport. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for cancer, Motor Neuron Disease, and myotonic dystrophy.
Researchers at EMBL have determined the 3D structure of part of the flu virus' RNA polymerase, crucial for replication. This finding enables the design of innovative anti-flu drugs targeting all influenza strains.