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Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
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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...
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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,...
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Translational control of gene function through optically regulated nucleic acids.

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Researchers developed light-controlled nucleic acid tools to precisely regulate gene expression at the translation level. These optochemical methods offer external control for studying gene function in biological systems.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Optogenetics

Background:

  • Gene expression, the process of translating mRNA into protein, is fundamental to biological systems.
  • Precise spatial and temporal control over gene expression is crucial for studying complex biological processes like embryonic development.
  • Existing tools often lack the external control needed to precisely manipulate gene function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review optochemical approaches for creating photoresponsive nucleic acids.
  • To discuss methods for controlling gene expression at the translational level using light.
  • To highlight the application of these tools in cellular and in vivo models.

Main Methods:

  • Modification of oligonucleotide-based technologies with photocaging groups and photoswitches.
  • Development of light-activatable and light-deactivatable nucleic acids.
  • Application of these modified nucleic acids in cellular and in vivo experimental models.

Main Results:

  • Optochemical strategies enable precise external control over mRNA translation.
  • Photoresponsive nucleic acids can be used to activate or deactivate gene expression with high spatiotemporal resolution.
  • These tools facilitate the study of gene function within dynamic biological pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Light-based control of nucleic acids provides a powerful method for regulating gene expression at the translational level.
  • Optochemical approaches offer minimally invasive and highly tunable external control for biological research.
  • These advancements are valuable for dissecting gene function in complex biological systems.