RNA
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Biology
The importance of RNA modification in fungal infection resistance may lead to better treatments
Written by Maria Schulz, Leibniz Institute for Natural Biology – Hans Kühnel Institute (Leibniz-HKI) Aspergillus fumigatus colonies plated in the form of transfer RNA molecules. Credit: Matthew Blango, Leibniz-HKI The failure of antifungal drugs in clinical practice may involve an often-overlooked gene regulatory mechanism, says the Leibniz Research Institute for Natural Products, the Institute for Infection Biology, and the Hans…
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Biology
Introducing HORNET, a new RNA structure visualization method that correlates sequence and 3D topology
AFM images and initial models of BM3, BM4, and BM5. Credit: Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07559-x Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have developed a method called HORNET to characterize the 3D topological structure of large, flexible RNA molecules. The scientists used atomic force microscopy (AFM) with deep neural networks and unsupervised machine learning to capture individual conformers under physiological conditions.…
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Biology
Study reveals unknown role of RNA in DNA damage repair
Francesca Storici and her research team have discovered the surprising role of RNA in DNA repair, an insight that could lead to better treatments for cancer and other diseases. Credit: Chris McKechnie A multi-institutional team of researchers led by Georgia Tech’s Francesca Storrisi has discovered a previously unknown role for RNA. Their insights could transform our understanding of genetic health…
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Science
Mitochondrial research provides new insights into how our cells process RNA for energy production
Molecular reconstruction of the human mitochondrial RNase Z complex superimposed on frozen tomography sections using human cell mitochondria. Credit: Genis Valentin Gese. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology have made a major discovery about how human cells produce energy. Their study, published in The EMBO Journal, revealed detailed mechanisms of how mitochondria process RNA (tRNA) molecules…
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Biology
Testing of thousands of RNA enzymes discovers first ‘Twister ribozyme’ in mammals
A novel cleavage high-throughput assay (CHiTA) developed at Penn State University provides a flawless method to characterize thousands of diverse small self-cleaving RNA enzymes called Twister ribozymes in a single experiment. This image shows 2D models of some of the ribozymes tested that had defects in the helical and loop elements but still remained active, demonstrating that the Twister ribozyme’s…
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Biology
Key molecules in wound healing identified through mapping of long non-coding RNA molecules
LncRNA expression profiling and functional screening in human skin wound healing. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52783-8 A new study by the Karolinska Institutet and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has identified an RNA molecule important for skin wound healing. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, could have implications for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. This research…
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Nanotechnology
Researchers develop new method to deliver RNA and drugs to cells
An ionizable fulvestrant analog was formulated into nanoparticles with cholesterol, DSPC, and DMG-PEG (molar ratio 50:38.5:10:1.5) to encapsulate siRNA (FXNP). Credit: Advanced Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403701 Researchers at the University of Toronto and its affiliated hospitals have developed a way to deliver therapeutic RNA and powerful drugs directly into cells, which could lead to more effective disease treatments. The study,…
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