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Nuclear Export of mRNA

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...

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The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
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Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

Overview of DNA Repair

Overview of DNA Repair

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Reporter-based Growth Assay for Systematic Analysis of Protein Degradation

Reporter-based Growth Assay for Systematic Analysis of Protein Degradation

Published on: November 6, 2014

DNA degradation and its defects.

Kohki Kawane¹, Kou Motani¹, Shigekazu Nagata²

¹Department of Medical Chemistry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

|June 4, 2014

Summary

Undegraded DNA can cause diseases like cancer. This review examines four deoxyribonucleases and their roles in preventing diseases linked to undigested DNA in cellular compartments.

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Assays for the Degradation of Misfolded Proteins in Cells

Assays for the Degradation of Misfolded Proteins in Cells

Published on: August 28, 2016

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Genetics

Background:

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is vital for heredity and evolution.
Improper DNA degradation is linked to various human diseases.
Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) are enzymes responsible for DNA breakdown.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the functions of four key deoxyribonucleases.
To explore the link between undigested DNA and diseases.
To highlight the role of DNases in cellular health.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on deoxyribonucleases.
Analysis of biochemical and physiological functions of DNases.
Examination of disease mechanisms related to DNA accumulation.

Main Results:

Four deoxyribonucleases function in the nucleus, cytosol, and lysosomes.
Undigested DNA contributes to diseases such as cancer, cataract, and autoinflammation.
DNase activity is crucial for preventing pathological DNA accumulation.

Conclusions:

Deoxyribonucleases play a critical role in maintaining cellular integrity.
Understanding DNase function is essential for developing treatments for DNA-related diseases.
Further research into DNase biochemistry and physiology will advance cellular and disease understanding.