RNA catalysis: More than a messenger

RNA interference : more than a research

In recent years, RNA silencing, usage of small double stranded RNAs of ~21 – 25 base pairs to regulate gene expression, has emerged as a powerful research tool to dissect the role of unknown host cell factors in this 'post-genomic' era. While the molecular mechanism of RNA silencing has not been precisely defined, the revelation that small RNA molecules are equipped with this regulatory functio...

Messenger RNA.

RNA catalysis.

Our understanding of the relationship between the structure of RNA and its catalytic activity has advanced significantly in the past year. These advances include time-resolved crystallographic studies on the hammerhead ribozyme, as well as new structures of a group I intron, a lead(II)-cleavage ribozyme, a hepatitis delta virus ribozyme, and components of the spliceosome machinery and the pepti...

oct-4: more than a pluripotent marker?

received: 23/sep/2008, accepted: 23/nov/2008oct-4/ pou5f1/ oct-3, a pou domain family protein acts as a crucial transcription factor dur- ing embryonic development. it helps in maintenance of self renewal as well as pluripotential state of embryonic stem (es) cells. its expression starts right from 2 cell stage especially prior to 8 cell stage till the blastocyst stage where it is strongly exp...

Who discovered messenger RNA?

The announcement of the discovery of messenger RNA (mRNA) and the cracking of the genetic code took place within weeks of each other in a climax of scientific excitement during the summer of 1961. Although mRNA is of decisive importance to our understanding of gene function, no Nobel Prize was awarded for its discovery. The large number of people involved, the complex nature of the results, and...