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New activity found for a potential anti-cancer agent

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that PatA inhibits nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a mechanism that degrades damaged mRNA. This inhibition may lead to cancer cell apoptosis. The study also reveals the potential of a simplified derivative of PatA, DMDAPatA, as an anti-cancer agent.

Trembling hands and molecular handshakes

Researchers determine the three-dimensional structure of Pur-alpha protein, essential for normal neural function, and gain insights into its molecular function. The findings provide a possible basis for developing an effective therapy for Fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome.

Messenger RNA with FLASH

Researchers from UNC Health Care have discovered a crucial link between the synthesis of histone messenger RNA and apoptosis, a normal biochemical response to cell damage. The study identifies FLASH protein as essential for producing histone proteins, which regulate gene expression.

The ends of mRNAs may prevent the beginnings of cancer

Scientists have found that the ends of mRNAs may play a role in preventing normal cells from becoming cancerous. In normal cells, long 3'UTRs regulate gene expression, but in cancer cells, these regulatory sequences are often lost, leading to overproduction of proteins and uncontrolled cell growth.

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New location found for regulation of RNA fate

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a new site for RNA degradation initiation, challenging existing assumptions about the process. The discovery involves CRD-BP, a protein that prevents RNA from degrading in this location.

Researchers see evidence of memory in the songbird brain

A new study reveals three distinct profiles of gene expression in the songbird brain, showing how birds remember and process new songs. Gene activity changes were observed even 24 hours after the initial stimulus, suggesting that memory formation is still ongoing.

New findings reveal how influenza virus hijacks human cells

Researchers at EMBL have discovered a promising drug target in influenza virus, specifically the PA subunit responsible for cleaving host RNA caps. This finding provides new insights into the cap snatching mechanism that allows the virus to hijack human cells and multiply.

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Human genes sing different tunes in different tissues

Scientists have found that nearly all human genes, about 94 percent, generate more than one form of their protein products through alternative splicing. The phenomenon varies significantly between tissues, with mRNA expression dependent on the tissue where the gene is expressed.

Location, location, location

Neuroscientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that transportation of brain transcripts is essential for growth and connection between neurons, forming the basis of memory and learning. This discovery may provide clues to understanding mental retardation and overall brain functioning.

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How cell's master transcribing machine achieves near perfection

Pol II selects correct NTPs to add to mRNA chains with exquisite precision, using a kinetic selection mechanism that involves the trigger loop. The study reveals how Pol II discriminates against incorrect NTPs and sheds light on the mechanisms of fidelity in cellular genetic copying machines.

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Getting wise to the influenza virus' tricks

Researchers at EMBL and CNRS identified the key protein domain responsible for binding to host RNA molecules, allowing the virus to multiply. The PB2 cap-binding site is a promising target for designing mimics of the cap that would inhibit viral replication.

Team probes mysteries of oceanic bacteria

A team of MIT researchers has devised a new method to analyze gene expression in complex microbial populations, providing insights into the role of oceanic bacteria in regulating Earth's natural cycles. The technique has yielded surprising discoveries, including the identification of previously unknown bacterial genes and their functions.

Case researcher in RNA biology makes waves by challenging current thinking

A recent study by Kristian E. Baker and Ambro van Hoof directly challenged the 'faux 3' UTR model of mRNA decay, revealing a critical flaw in the existing understanding of this process. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for gene expression regulation and potential therapeutic strategies for genetic diseases.

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Oliguridylation-mediated histone mRNA decay

Researchers discovered that uridine residues are added to the 3' end of histone mRNAs, decapping and degrading them via the general mRNA decay machinery. This work represents a new mechanism regulating the half-life of specific mammalian mRNA transcripts.

ClC-1 helps mice get a move on

Researchers developed a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide to correct the abnormal inclusion of exon 7a in ClC-1 mRNA, restoring chloride channel function and eliminating myotonia in mice with DM1. This approach may potentially treat myotonia in individuals with DM1.

Viral infection affects important cells' stress response

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that viral infections like poliovirus target a protein called G3BP, which helps cells respond to stress. This disruption prevents the virus from being translated into proteins and killing the cells.

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Finding may eventually help tailor treatment for depression

A new genetic study from the University of Iowa found that women are more likely than men to have altered serotonin processes related to depression. The study, which analyzed data from 192 individuals, suggests that genetic variations may play a role in tailoring antidepressant treatment for individual responders.

Deep into the machinery of adult fragile X

Fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a recently identified neurological disorder affecting middle-aged adults, causing Parkinson's-like symptoms and cognitive decline. Researchers discovered that the mutation causing FXTAS triggers a failure of messenger RNA transport within neurons, leading to lethal clogging of brain cells.

Researchers identify proteins involved in new neurodegenerative syndrome

A new neurodegenerative syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, has been identified as triggered by the interplay of two proteins binding to messenger RNA. Individuals with this condition exhibit higher levels of mRNA and experience tremors, balance issues, and difficulty with daily activities.

A small leak will sink a great ship

Researchers found a small molecule, microRNA, essential for controlling floral organs' identity in plants. This discovery contradicts the long-held ABC model of floral organ development, suggesting a more complex temporal control mechanism.

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Mechanism of microRNAs deciphered

MicroRNAs regulate cell division and development by blocking protein synthesis at its earliest stage, translation. Researchers developed a new method to study microRNA action in a test tube, revealing that they bind to messenger RNAs and prevent their translation into proteins.

Killing the messenger RNA -- But which one?

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that microRNAs can undergo molecular editing, redirecting them to target and silence entirely different sets of genes. This process has significant physiological consequences, such as altering the production of essential enzymes involved in synthesizing uric acid.

Remote control for human growth hormone gene expression

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism controlling human growth hormone (hGH) gene expression through non-coding RNAs. This finding may lead to the development of therapeutics for hGH defects and a better understanding of genetic disorders.

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Researchers find 'secret weapon' used by SARS virus

Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a unique mechanism used by the SARS coronavirus to evade the immune system. The virus's nsp1 protein breaks down messenger RNA instructions that trigger the production of interferon beta, crucial for host immunity.

Scientists discover new regulating mechanism in cells

Researchers at Ohio State University found that RHA regulates the production of growth-proteins, many of which play a role in cancer, and helps viruses establish infections. The study identifies additional genes that require RHA for translation, shedding light on cell regulation and viral mechanisms.

New insights into protein synthesis and Hepatitis C infections

A study led by Jennifer Doudna and Eva Nogales used cryo-EM to create a 3D model of the eIF3 protein complex, showing its structural mechanics in loading human or viral RNA onto ribosomes. This understanding could lead to new therapies for viral infections.

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RNA splicing occurs in nerve-cell dendrites

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that RNA splicing occurs in nerve-cell dendrites, which could relate to memory and learning. The discovery may also help understand cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.

Molecule crucial for processing non-coding RNA identified

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified a novel multi-protein complex called the Integrator that plays a central role in processing small nuclear RNAs. This complex, which consists of at least 12 subunits, appears to bind to both CTD and specific genes coding for snRNAs.

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New gene regulation mechanism discovered

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a messenger RNA molecule that switches from non-protein coding status to protein coding status in response to cellular stress. This 'cut and run' mechanism likely controls the expression of many genes, providing a rapid response to viral infection or other stresses.

Cellular dumping site is not garbage after all

Scientists have discovered that P-bodies play a crucial role in regulating the translation of mRNA molecules into proteins. The study found that P-bodies can store and recondition pre-used mRNA molecules, allowing cells to control protein production. This new understanding may provide insights into diseases like cancer.

Mouse genome much more complex than expected

The mouse genome is more complex than expected, with over 60% of mRNAs not encoding proteins. The discovery challenges the traditional view that genes contain specific protein blueprints.

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Study identifies protein's role in cell division

A recent study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has identified a key protein, Upf1, that regulates histone production during cell division. The research suggests that an imbalance in DNA and histone production is lethal for cells and may be crucial in understanding tumor growth.

A double punch for female survival

Researchers found that the SXL protein blocks the synthesis of MSL-2 proteins in females by acting on two separate steps. This discovery reveals an entirely new mechanism for controlling protein dosages at the level of RNA, which could have implications for understanding diseases and animal development.

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Are microRNAs oncogenes?

Researchers discovered distinctive patterns of microRNA activity in cancer cells that can be used to diagnose cancers and distinguish normal cells from those that are cancerous. The study also found that specific microRNAs can cause lymphomas in mice and cooperate with genes already known to cause human cancers.

Researchers rein in regulatory RNAs

The study reveals that antisense transcripts (SATs) are widely expressed in various mouse tissues and cell cultures, exhibiting tissue-specific expression patterns. SATs tend to be poly(A)-negative and enriched in the nucleus, suggesting a functional role in gene regulation.

Study finds more than one-third of human genome regulated by RNA

A recent study published in the journal Cell has found that over 30% of human genes are controlled by RNA molecules, providing new insights into gene regulation. The researchers used computational methods to identify microRNAs that target specific genes, revealing a vast network of regulatory interactions.

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The beak of the squid

A new study reveals that Argonaute2 is the key enzyme responsible for RNAi-mediated messenger RNA cleavage in mammals. The findings suggest that Argonaute2 provides the 'Slicer' activity necessary for siRNA-targeted mRNA cleavage.

Cells may shoot messenger to halt protein production

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a new biochemical mechanism that allows cells to quickly destroy messenger RNA molecules, regulating protein production. This discovery sheds light on the role of PMR1 enzyme in controlling mRNA degradation.

22-amino acid bacterium created by Scripps scientists

Scripps researchers successfully engineered E. coli to produce myoglobin proteins with 22 amino acids, including unnatural O-methyl-L-tyrosine and L-homoglutamine. This breakthrough demonstrates the genetic code can be expanded beyond 20 amino acids, opening doors for novel protein designs.

Shared gene switch for all plants found

Researchers have discovered a shared gene regulation mechanism in all major plant groups, controlled by microRNAs, and this system has been conserved for 400 million years. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding plant development and evolution.

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Sometimes it's the RNA

Messenger RNA (mRNA) stability plays a crucial role in determining disease severity in nervous system mutations, according to researchers at Baylor College of Medicine. Aberrant mRNA forms are usually eliminated through nonsense-mediated decay, but some escape and lead to defective protein production.

MicroRNAs - Tiny molecules shape up plants

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs play a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development by regulating cell division and leaf shape. The study found that a specific microRNA called "Jaw" targets messenger RNAs involved in preventing excessive cell division, leading to abnormal leaf shapes.

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Small protein helps special RNA make repairs

Researchers have discovered that a small protein, SmpB, helps modify the structure of tmRNA to facilitate its role in repairing damaged mRNA. This process prevents the production of toxic proteins and ensures cellular survival. The study also reveals how a plant virus exploits this mechanism for its own replication.