The function of non-coding RNA in the cell has long been a mystery to researchers. Unlike coding RNA, non-coding RNA does not produce proteins -- yet it exists in large quantities.
A research team has now discovered an important function of antisense RNA : the researchers found that asRNA acts as a 'superhighway' in cell transport and thus accelerates gene expression.
Krebber's team discovered that asRNA combines with mRNA, which is then preferentially transported from the cell nucleus into the cytoplasm. This means that the cell translates the information from the mRNA into proteins faster than would be the case without asRNA. Therefore, asRNA serves as a"booster" for gene expression. This is necessary for the cell in many situations, for example when confronted with harmful environmental conditions or stress.
Ivo Coban, Jan-Philipp Lamping, Anna Greta Hirsch, Sarah Wasilewski, Orr Shomroni, Oliver Giesbrecht, Gabriela Salinas, Heike Krebber.The better we understand cellular processes such as RNA regulation, the better molecular therapies can be developed. Until now, it has been especially difficult to track the regulation of non-coding ...
Molecular Biology Biology Biochemistry Research Genetics Biotechnology Microbiology CRISPR Gene Editing
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