for you DNA is constantly damaged Sources inside and outside your body. One forms of severe damage in particular is called a Double Ring It involves cutting both dual DNA.
Double breaks are considered one of the most difficult forms of cells of the cells to repair it because it disrupts the continuity of the DNA and does not leave any healthy template to prepare new threads. If you make a mistake in repair, these separations can lead to other mutations that make the genome unstable and Increased risk of many diseasesIncluding cancer, nervous degeneration and immunity deficiency.
Cells are primarily Double breakfast repair By re -joining the broken DNA ends or by using another DNA as a repair template. but, Team I discovered that RNA, type of genetic material It is amazing to make proteins, amazingly He plays a major role in facilitating reform From these harmful breaks.
These ideas could not pave the way for new treatment strategies for genetic disorders, cancer and neurological degenerative diseases, but also enhancing genetic liberalization techniques.
Seal the knowledge gap in DNA repair
I spent the past two decades Investigate the relationship Between RNA and DNA in order to understand how cells maintain the integrity of the genome and how these mechanisms can be harnessed to genetic engineering.
The long -term question in this field was whether the RNA in cells helps to maintain the stability of the genome to the farthest A copy of the DNA In the process of making proteins and Genetic expression. The study of how RNA could do this is particularly difficult because of its similarity to the DNA and its speed of deterioration. It is also difficult for a technical challenge whether the RNA is directly working on repairing the DNA or indirectly regulating the process. The traditional models and tools for the study of the DNA repair are mostly focused on proteins and DNA, leaving RNA contributions to a large extent.
My team and I were curious about whether RNA had actively involved in repairing double rest periods as a first defense line. To explore this, we used the genes editing tool CRISB-CAS9 To make breaks in specific spots in the DNA of human cells and yeast. Then we analyzed how RNA affects different aspects of the repair process, including efficiency and results.
We found it RNA can actively direct the repair process From double breaks. It does this by linking with the broken DNA ends, which helps to align the DNA sequence on an unparalleled rope. Gaps can also be closed or unparalleled parts, which affects whether the original sequence is restored and how.
In addition, we found that RNA helps to repair a double fracture in both yeast and human cells, indicating that its role in repairing the DNA is Evolutionary preserved Through species. It is worth noting that even low levels of RNA were sufficient to influence the efficiency and results of the reform, noting its extensive and unrecognized function in maintaining the stability of the genome.
RNA in control
By detecting the function of RNA unknown to repair DNA damage, our results show how RNA can directly contribute to the stability and development of the genome. It is not just a negative messenger, but he is an active participant in genome maintenance.
These ideas can help researchers develop new ways to target the genetic instability on which many diseases are based, including cancer and nervous homogeneity. Traditionally, treatments and genes editing almost exclusively focused on DNA or proteins. The results we find indicate that the amendment of RNA in various ways can also affect how cells respond to DNA damage. For example, researchers can design RNA remedies To enhance the repair of harmful separators that can cause cancer, or delaying the repair of DNA selectively in cancer cells to help kill them.
In addition, these results can Improving the accuracy of genetic liberalization techniques Like Crisper by calculating reactions between RNA and DNA at the location of the pieces. This can reduce the effects outside the target and increase the accuracy of the liberation, which ultimately contributes to the development of safer and more effective genetic treatments.
There are still many unanswered questions about how RNA interacts with the DNA in the repair process. The evolutionary role played by RNA in maintaining the stability of the genome is also unclear. But there is one certain thing: RNA is no longer just a messenger, it is a molecule with a direct hand in the DNA repair, and rewriting what researchers know about how to protect the genetic code cells.
This article has been republished from ConversationAn independent, non -profit news organization brings you facts and trusted analysis to help you understand our complex world. Written by: Francesca Storiand Georgia Institute of Technology
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Franchiska Storesi consults at Tessera Therapeutics. It received funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Corporation.
