PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Riboswitches in action

Scientists at SISSA investigate a mechanism that switches genes on and off

2013-11-04
(Press-News.org) Contact information: Federica Sgorbissa
pressroom@sissa.it
39-040-378-7644
International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)
Riboswitches in action Scientists at SISSA investigate a mechanism that switches genes on and off

A cell is a complex environment in which substances (metabolites) must maintain a correct state of equilibrium, which may vary depending on specific needs. Cells can maintain the proper concentrations of metabolites by regulating gene protein encoding through specific "switches", called riboswitches, which are able to block or activate protein synthesis. The precise mechanism by which these short strands of RNA carry out this function is still poorly understood. However, a study conducted by SISSA scientists Giovanni Bussi, Francesco Colizzi and Francesco De Palma and published in the journal RNA, now provides some important insights.

A riboswitch is contained in a strand of messenger RNA, an RNA fragment that acts as a sort of template that "prints" the proteins that are needed for cell metabolism. However, unlike the rest of the messenger RNA unit, riboswitches don't actually encode any portion of the protein (i.e., they form part of what geneticists call non-coding RNA) but they serve to activate or deactivate the protein printing process and are located, in bacteria, in a stretch preceding the coding sequence. Scientists know that this switching action is made possible by a change in shape, which occurs when a part of the riboswitch (the aptamer) binds to a molecule in the cell environment which acts as a signal. Bussi and colleagues used computer simulations to reproduce the dynamics of the process and understand how binding to the metabolite brings about the change in shape.

More specifically, Bussi and colleagues simulated the riboswitch that uses an adenine molecule as a signal, to regulate the gene expressing a protein involved in the metabolism of adenine itself. Their findings clarify how adenine stabilizes the active form of the riboswitch (the one triggering protein synthesis) to the detriment of the inactive conformation. "We used molecular dynamics as a kind of 'virtual microscope' with which we observed the workings of the process", explained Bussi. "It's very important to understand these regulatory mechanisms since they are present in many bacteria – as well as in multicellular organisms – and may be useful for developing new antibiotics in the future."

The research was carried out within the framework of a European Research Council (ERC)-funded project coordinated by Bussi.

More in detail…

The computer-based simulations carried out in the study relied on PLUMED software, the latest release of which was presented in another recent paper published by Bussi in Computer Physics Communications. PLUMED is a software program devised to create and analyze simulations. "This more advanced version of the program was developed as a team of five young researchers from international institutions".

It's no coincidence that the researchers involved in this work are all young: the research project was in part funded by a special grant provided for young, non-permanent research fellows at SISSA and awarded to Bussi in 2011.



INFORMATION:



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

As world sets new development goals, Malaysia calls for poverty relief within green agenda

2013-11-04
PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 4-Nov-2013 [ | E-mail ] var addthis_pub="eurekalert"; var addthis_options = "favorites, delicious, digg, facebook, twitter, google, newsvine, reddit, slashdot, stumbleupon, buzz, more" Share Contact: Terry Collins tc@tca.tc 416-878-8712 Mastura Ishak mastura@might.org.my 60-14-665-1303 Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services As world sets new development goals, Malaysia calls for poverty relief within green agenda Prime Minister Najib addresses new UN biodiversity organization KUALA LUMPUR - The ...

Is clinicians' decision making affected by 'precious baby' phenomenon?

2013-11-04
Is clinicians' decision making affected by 'precious baby' phenomenon? Study suggests clinicians' decision making could be affected by method of conception Parents who conceive through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are likely to receive different ...

Quantum 'sealed envelope' system enables 'perfectly secure' information storage

2013-11-04
Quantum 'sealed envelope' system enables 'perfectly secure' information storage A breakthrough in quantum cryptography demonstrates that information can be encrypted and then decrypted with complete security using the combined power of quantum theory and relativity ...

Why tumor cells go on dangerous tours

2013-11-04
Why tumor cells go on dangerous tours Tumors become highly malignant when they acquire the ability to colonize other tissues and form metastases. Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich have identified a factor that promotes ...

Gravity and the robot satellite attitude problem

2013-11-04
Gravity and the robot satellite attitude problem Using an in-orbit robot to capturing a malfunctioning satellite that is tumbling out of control is currently just a theoretical idea. However, research inspired by nature to be published in the forthcoming issue of International ...

Leicester scientists map structure of key complex in the immune system

2013-11-04
Leicester scientists map structure of key complex in the immune system New study reveals the structure of complement component C1 &#8211 a target for complement-mediated diseases including strokes and heart attacks Leicester scientists have mapped the "bouquet-like" ...

Transmitting stress response patterns across generations

2013-11-04
Transmitting stress response patterns across generations From a new study in Biological Psychiatry Philadelphia, PA, November 4, 2013 – Children of survivors of extremely stressful life events face adjustment challenges of their own, as has been most carefully studied ...

Researchers warn of the 'myths' of global medical tourism

2013-11-04
Researchers warn of the 'myths' of global medical tourism A team of British researchers, led by the University of York, is warning governments and healthcare decision makers across the globe to be wary of the myths and hype surrounding medical tourism. In an article, ...

New chemistry: Drawing and writing in liquid with light

2013-11-04
New chemistry: Drawing and writing in liquid with light University of Helsinki researchers have manufactured photochemically active polymers which can be dissolved in water or certain alcohols. The new soluble, photosensitive polymer was created by doctoral ...

Population Council to present more than 40 studies at International Conference on Family Planning

2013-11-04
Population Council to present more than 40 studies at International Conference on Family Planning Research will highlight development of new contraceptive technologies, strategies for expanding access to family planning, and efforts to promote gender equity NEW YORK ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Cobalt single atom-phosphate functionalized reduced graphene oxide/perylenetetracarboxylic acid nanosheet heterojunctions for efficiently photocatalytic H2O2 production

World-first study shows Australian marsupials contaminated with harmful ‘forever chemicals’

Unlocking the brain’s hidden drainage system

Enhancing smoking cessation treatment for people living with HIV

Research spotlight: Mapping how gut neurons respond to bacteria, parasites and food allergy

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Experimental Physics Investigators awards to UCSB experimentalists opens the door to new insights and innovations

Meerkats get health benefit from mob membership

COVID-19 during pregnancy linked to higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children

How a chorus of synchronized frequencies helps you digest your food

UAlbany researcher partners on $1.2 million NSF grant to explore tropical monsoon rainfall patterns

Checkup time for Fido? Wait might be longer in the country

Genetic variation impact scores: A new tool for earlier heart disease detection

The Lundquist Institute awarded $9 million to launch Community Center of Excellence for Regenerative Medicine

'Really bizarre and exciting': The quantum oscillations are coming from inside

Is AI becoming selfish?

New molten salt method gives old lithium batteries a second life

Leg, foot amputations increased 65% in Illinois hospitals between 2016-2023

Moffitt studies uncover complementary strategies to overcome resistance to KRAS G12Cinhibitors in lung cancer

National summit of experts charts unprecedented roadmap to reduce harms from firearms in new ways

Global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys significantly expand known geographic and ecological niche ranges of marine fish, highlighting current biases in conservation and ecological modeling

Hundreds of animal studies on brain damage after stroke flagged for problematic images

Prize winner’s research reveals how complex neural circuits are correctly wired during brain development

Supershear rupture sustained in thick fault zone during 2025 Mandalay earthquake, study in research package shows

Study reveals how brain cell networks stabilize memory formation

CTE: More than just head trauma, suggests new study

New psychology study suggests chimpanzees might be rational thinkers

Study links genetic variants to higher 'bad' cholesterol and heart attack risk

Myanmar fault had ideal geometry to produce 2025 supershear earthquake

Breakthrough in BRCA2 research: a novel mechanism behind chemoresistance discovered

New funding for health economics research on substance use disorder treatments

[Press-News.org] Riboswitches in action
Scientists at SISSA investigate a mechanism that switches genes on and off