Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10:53
Isolation of Cognate RNA-protein Complexes from Cells Using Oligonucleotide-directed Elution
Published on: January 16, 2017
RNAa is conserved in mammalian cells
1Helen-Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Plos One
|January 29, 2010
Summary
RNA activation (RNAa) is a gene activation mechanism now found in mammals beyond humans. This study shows RNAa works in primates and rodents, suggesting potential for RNAa-based therapies in diverse species.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- RNA activation (RNAa) is a gene activation process mediated by small activating RNAs (saRNAs).
- RNAa has been primarily observed in human cells, with its conservation in other mammals largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and conservation of RNAa in various mammalian cell types, including nonhuman primates and rodents.
- To explore the potential of RNAa technology for therapeutic applications in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Transfection of saRNAs targeting conserved gene sequences into African green monkey, chimpanzee, mouse, and rat cells.
- Evaluation of gene expression changes and downstream molecular markers following saRNA transfection.
- Identification of specific saRNAs capable of inducing target genes like p53, Cyclin B1, and CXCR4 in different mammalian species.
Main Results:
- RNAa was successfully demonstrated in African green monkey and chimpanzee cells, activating genes such as p53, PAR4, WT1, and NKX3-1.
- saRNAs were identified that induced mouse Cyclin B1 expression and rat CXCR4 expression, indicating functional RNAa in rodents.
- The study confirmed the conservation of RNAa across different mammalian species, including primates and rodents.
Conclusions:
- RNA activation is a conserved biological mechanism present in mammals beyond humans.
- Nonhuman primate models may serve as valuable tools for developing and validating RNAa-based therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:53RNA Stability
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
01:53RNA Stability
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
02:51Multi-species Conserved Sequences
Next-generation sequencing technologies have created large genomic databases of a variety of animals and plants. Ever since the human genome project was completed, scientists studied the genome of primates, mammals, and other phylogenetically distant living beings. Such large-scale studies have provided new insights into the evolutionary relationship between organisms.
Although the genome of each species varies greatly from each other, a few sequences are highly conserved. Such conserved DNA...
Although the genome of each species varies greatly from each other, a few sequences are highly conserved. Such conserved DNA...
02:53Ribosomal RNA Synthesis
Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
02:26Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain. Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
01:25Nucleic Acid Structure
The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...