scholarly journals Science: priceless, but costly

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 635-637
Author(s):  
Marta Gabryelska
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Single Parenting ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Rules Of The Game

Working as a researcher is very satisfying. However, it comes with a price. This is a story about growing up as a scientist in the field of molecular biology. Starting as a young, rather naive researcher, I learned, step by step, not only the facts about my favorite RNA molecules but also the demands and downsides of academia. Going through my recent “scientific awakening,” I fully acknowledged the rules of the game: to write, to publish, to patent, to apply for grants and awards, and finally, to engage in all forms of coscientific endeavors. After going through a divorce, single parenting, immigration, and being scooped, I became a scientist who finally takes her career in her own hands and navigates through, but does not succumb to, the difficulties in science. This is my monument to resilience.

scholarly journals Walking around Ribosomal Small Subunit: A Possible “Tourist Map” for Electron Holes

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (18) ◽  
pp. 5479
Author(s):  
Andrey Yu. Sosorev
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Translation Process ◽  
Subunit A ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Charge Localization ◽  
Allosteric Mechanism ◽  
Electron Holes ◽  
Hole Localization

Despite several decades of research, the physics underlying translation—protein synthesis at the ribosome—remains poorly studied. For instance, the mechanism coordinating various events occurring in distant parts of the ribosome is unknown. Very recently, we suggested that this allosteric mechanism could be based on the transport of electric charges (electron holes) along RNA molecules and localization of these charges in the functionally important areas; this assumption was justified using tRNA as an example. In this study, we turn to the ribosome and show computationally that holes can also efficiently migrate within the whole ribosomal small subunit (SSU). The potential sites of charge localization in SSU are revealed, and it is shown that most of them are located in the functionally important areas of the ribosome—intersubunit bridges, Fe4S4 cluster, and the pivot linking the SSU head to its body. As a result, we suppose that hole localization within the SSU can affect intersubunit rotation (ratcheting) and SSU head swiveling, in agreement with the scenario of electronic coordination of ribosome operation. We anticipate that our findings will improve the understanding of the translation process and advance molecular biology and medicine.

scholarly journals RNA-Targeting CRISPR–Cas Systems and Their Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Burmistrz ◽  
Kamil Krakowski ◽  
Agata Krawczyk-Balska
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Dna Targeting ◽  
Modern Molecular Biology ◽  
Rna Targeting ◽  
New Research ◽  
Target Rna ◽  
Research Tools

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems have revolutionized modern molecular biology. Numerous types of these systems have been discovered to date. Many CRISPR–Cas systems have been used as a backbone for the development of potent research tools, with Cas9 being the most widespread. While most of the utilized systems are DNA-targeting, recently more and more attention is being gained by those that target RNA. Their ability to specifically recognize a given RNA sequence in an easily programmable way makes them ideal candidates for developing new research tools. In this review we summarize current knowledge on CRISPR–Cas systems which have been shown to target RNA molecules, that is type III (Csm/Cmr), type VI (Cas13), and type II (Cas9). We also present a list of available technologies based on these systems.

tRNA – the golden standard in molecular biology

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirosława Z. Barciszewska ◽  
Patrick M. Perrigue ◽  
Jan Barciszewski
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Tertiary Structures ◽  
Transfer Rnas ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Major Class ◽  
Golden Standard

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) represent a major class of RNA molecules for which primary, secondary, and tertiary structures are known.

scholarly journals It's an RNA world: a focus on recent advances in RNA biochemistry

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Sheila Graham
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Rna World ◽  
Enzymatic Catalysis ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
The Core ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Encoding Protein

RNA is a fascinating molecule. Its array of different properties is highlighted by our knowledge of the ribosome. RNA can have structural properties; for example, rRNA is the core of the ribosome. RNA can bind proteins; for example, rRNA–ribosomal protein interactions are used to build the protein translation machinery. Finally, RNA can display enzymatic catalysis. In the ribosome during translation, non-coding RNA carries out decoding (tRNA) and amino acid polymerization (rRNA). If this is not fascinating enough, the last decade or so has seen a considerable reassessment of the core of Francis Crick's ‘central dogma of molecular biology’ that states that RNA molecules (rRNAs, tRNAs and mRNAs) serve to drive protein synthesis, decode mRNAs or act as a templates encoding protein. Much of the upheaval in our understanding of RNA biology has come from deep mining of the human transcriptome by RNA sequencing (RNAseq) by next generation sequencing techniques. One of the most startling revelations from the wealth of new data provided by the ‘-omics’ revolution is that over 80% of the human genome encodes RNA, whereas only up to 2% encodes proteins. In other words, our genomes are largely RNA-coding. The discovery of the plethora of non-coding RNAs in our genomes has revolutionized molecular biology. These RNAs do not encode protein and, unlike rRNAs or tRNAs, most are not intimately linked to protein translation. In this edition of The Biochemist, we revisit recent advances in RNA research to reveal the broad scope of this hot topic in today's biochemistry and to spotlight some new areas of RNA research.

scholarly journals Relevance of long non-coding RNAs in tumour biology

2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (38) ◽  
pp. 1494-1501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltán Nagy ◽  
Diána Rita Szabó ◽  
Adrienn Zsippai ◽  
András Falus ◽  
Károly Rácz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Small Rnas ◽  
Molecular Processes ◽  
Major Fraction ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

The discovery of the biological relevance of non-coding RNA molecules represents one of the most significant advances in contemporary molecular biology. It has turned out that a major fraction of the non-coding part of the genome is transcribed. Beside small RNAs (including microRNAs) more and more data are disclosed concerning long non-coding RNAs of 200 nucleotides to 100 kb length that are implicated in the regulation of several basic molecular processes (cell proliferation, chromatin functioning, microRNA-mediated effects, etc.). Some of these long non-coding RNAs have been associated with human tumours, including H19, HOTAIR, MALAT1, etc., the different expression of which has been noted in various neoplasms relative to healthy tissues. Long non-coding RNAs may represent novel markers of molecular diagnostics and they might even turn out to be targets of therapeutic intervention. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1494–1501.

Electron Microscopy in Molecular Biology

1967 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 2-3
Author(s):  
Cecil E. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Material Structure ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Shadow Casting ◽  
Electron Image ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Very High

The visualization of organic macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, viruses and virus components has reached its high degree of effectiveness owing to refinements and reliability of instruments and to the invention of methods for enhancing the structure of these materials within the electron image. The latter techniques have been most important because what can be seen depends upon the molecular and atomic character of the object as modified which is rarely evident in the pristine material. Structure may thus be displayed by the arts of positive and negative staining, shadow casting, replication and other techniques. Enhancement of contrast, which delineates bounds of isolated macromolecules has been effected progressively over the years as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 by these methods. We now look to the future wondering what other visions are waiting to be seen. The instrument designers will need to exact from the arts of fabrication the performance that theory has prescribed as well as methods for phase and interference contrast with explorations of the potentialities of very high and very low voltages. Chemistry must play an increasingly important part in future progress by providing specific stain molecules of high visibility, substrates of vanishing “noise” level and means for preservation of molecular structures that usually exist in a solvated condition.

Electron Microscopy of the Nucleic Acid of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus

1968 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 22-23
Author(s):  
N. H. Sarkar ◽  
Dan H. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Mammary Tumor ◽  
Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus ◽  
Ammonium Acetate ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Mouse Tumor ◽  
Mammary Tumor Virus ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Mouse Mammary Tumor ◽  
Tumor Virus ◽  
The Subject

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MTV) is believed to contain about 0.8% single stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA). This value of RNA content was estimated on a dry weight basis. The subject of this report is an attempt to visualize the RNA molecules of MTV particles.MTV particles were isolated from RIII mouse (tumor incidence approximately 80%) milk according to the method described by Lyons and Moore. Purified virions from 5 ml of milk were finally suspended in 0.2 ml of PBS, pH 7.4 and was mixed with an equal volume of pronase (5 mg/ml). This mixture was incubated at 37°C for an hour. RNA was extracted three times using freshly prepared cold phenol. It was then treated three times with cold ethyl ether to remove any trace of phenol. The RNA thus extracted was divided into two parts. One part was diluted four fold with 8M urea to avoid aggregation of the molecules. The other part was left untreated. Both samples were then mixed with an equal volume of 1M ammonium acetate, adjusted to pH 8.0 with NH3 containing chymotrypsin at a concentration of 0.01%.

Electron Microscope Study of RNA's of Paramyxoviruses

1972 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 196-197
Author(s):  
Ruchama Baum ◽  
J.T. Seto
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Electron Microscope Study ◽  
Sendai Virus ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Virus Particles ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Length Measurements

The ribonucleic acid (RNA) of paramyxoviruses has been characterized by biochemical and physiochemical methods. However, paramyxovirus RNA molecules have not been studied by electron microscopy. The molecular weights of these single-stranded viral RNA molecules are not known as yet. Since electron microscopy has been found to be useful for the characterization of single-stranded RNA, this investigation was initiated to examine the morphology and length measurements of paramyxovirus RNA's.Sendai virus Z strain and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), Milano strain, were used. For these studies it was necessary to develop a method of extracting RNA molecules from purified virus particles. Highly purified Sendai virus was treated with pronase (300 μg/ml) at 37°C for 30 minutes and the RNA extracted by the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-phenol procedure.

An introduction to the themed issue on RNA biology in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 863-866
Author(s):  
Zhe Wu
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Chinese Society ◽  
Fortieth Anniversary ◽  
Rna Biology ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
Education In China

Abstract The year 2019 marked the fortieth anniversary of the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (CSBMB), whose mission is to promote biomolecular research and education in China. The last 40 years have witnessed tremendous growth and achievements in biomolecular research by Chinese scientists and Essays in Biochemistry is delighted to publish this themed issue that focuses on exciting areas within RNA biology, with each review contributed by key experts from China.

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