Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

09:26
DNA-Tethered RNA Polymerase for Programmable In vitro Transcription and Molecular Computation
Published on: December 29, 2021
5.0K
Using synthetic RNAs as scaffolds and regulators.
Cameron Myhrvold1, Pamela A Silver1
1Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
|January 8, 2015
Summary
RNA
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Ribonucleic acid (RNA) possesses inherent versatility.
- Its structural characteristics and base-pairing capabilities are key attributes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore RNA's potential as a substrate for bioengineering.
- To highlight RNA's utility in designing molecular scaffolds and regulators.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of RNA's structural properties.
- Investigation of RNA's base-pairing mechanisms.
- Exploration of RNA's interaction with other biomolecules.
Main Results:
- RNA serves as an effective molecular scaffold.
- RNA's interactions enable the design of regulatory functions.
- RNA's versatility supports diverse bioengineering applications.
Conclusions:
- RNA is a highly adaptable molecule for bioengineering.
- Its predictable structure and interactions facilitate the creation of novel RNA-based tools.
- RNA engineering holds significant potential for various biological contexts.
Related Concept Videos
Types of RNA
16.8K
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
RNA Performs Diverse...
16.8K
Types of RNA
74.3K
Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
74.3K
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
1.6K
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...
1.6K
Experimental RNAi
8.4K
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
8.4K
Translational Regulation
885
Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...
885
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
19.1K
Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
19.1K

