Researchers from Arizona State University have made a major breakthrough in understanding gene regulation in living organisms. A study recently published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research highlights the vital role of specific RNA fragments in small transparent roundworms Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans).
The study includes a detailed map of the 3’UTR regions of RNA in C. elegans. 3’UTRs (untranslated regions) are segments of RNA involved in gene regulation.
The new map is a valuable tool for scientists who study how DNA genes are turned on and off after they are transcribed into RNA. Using this data, scientists can make better predictions about how small RNA molecules (miRNAs) interact with genes to control their activity. The researchers also examined key regions of the 3’UTR that help process and edit RNA molecules.
By studying the genetic material in this model organism, researchers are gaining a deeper understanding of the mysteries of gene behavior and shedding light on fundamental biological processes essential to human health and disease.
“This monumental work is the result of 20 years of hard work. We finally have a complete picture of how genes are formed in higher organisms,” says Marco Mangone, author of the new study. “With this complete dataset, we can now identify and study all the regulatory and processing elements in these gene segments. These elements determine the duration of gene expression, their specific location in the cells and the required level of expression.”
Genes are only half the story
Genes are pieces of DNA that contain the blueprints for the astonishing diversity of life on Earth. But part of the secret of this versatility lies not in the genes themselves, but in how finely tuned their effects are. Genes provide instructions for making proteins, which play a key role in building and repairing cells and tissues, speeding up chemical reactions, and protecting the body from pathogens.
In order for genes to produce proteins, they need an intermediary molecule called RNA. During this process, DNA is first copied into RNA, which acts as a bridge between the DNA template and the resulting proteins. While our DNA genome is fixed from birth, RNA regulates gene expression, giving the body tremendous flexibility.
Once the genetic instructions are copied from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA), specific sections of mRNA (3’UTRs) can regulate the process of protein production.
3’UTRs are regions of RNA located at the end of a messenger RNA molecule. They help control how and when proteins are made by controlling mRNA stability and efficiency. This regulation enables a dynamic response to environmental changes and allows control of protein production, which is important for adapting to various physiological needs.
3’UTRs revised
Initially, non-coding RNAs such as 3’UTRs were thought to be nonessential genetic fragments because they do not themselves code for proteins. However, recent studies suggest that they are critical for altering gene behavior and affecting mRNA stability, localization, and translation efficiency. Translation refers to the process of converting RNA into proteins, which are composed of amino acid sequences.
The 3’UTR is an integral part of a complex and highly adaptable system of checks and balances in protein production. In addition, these RNA regulatory elements often contain binding sites for other elements responsible for protein regulation, including miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins.
Despite their importance, scientists previously knew little about them. The new study addresses this gap by mapping the 3’UTRs for nearly all genes in C. elegans, providing the most complete map of its kind for any animal.
A window into gene function and disease
C. elegans is a small transparent nematode that is one of the most studied model organisms in biological research. Its importance lies in its simplicity, short life cycle and well-represented genetic structure.
The organism shares many biological pathways with humans, making it invaluable for studying gene function, development and disease processes. Its transparent body allows researchers to observe cellular processes in real time, and its genetic structure allows for precise manipulation of genes.
These features make C. elegans a powerful tool for uncovering fundamental mechanisms of biology that are often conserved across species, including humans.
The study showed that the process of switching between different 3’UTRs is less common in C. elegans than previously thought. This challenges previous beliefs and highlights the complexity of gene regulation. Using the new data, the scientists updated predictions about how microRNAs interact with genes.
The new findings have far-reaching implications for human health. Problems with gene control can lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders. By providing a detailed map of 3’UTRs and their regulatory elements, the study provides new information that could lead to better treatments and therapies.
The new dataset from the study will be an important resource for scientists studying genetics and human health. The ASU team plans to continue their research to learn more about how these regulatory elements work and their critical effects on gene control.
Source: Port Altele
