Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
07:53
Application of RNAi and Heat-shock-induced Transcription Factor Expression to Reprogram Germ Cells to Neurons in C. elegans
Published on: January 1, 2018
7.7K
Precision Control of Cell Type-Specific Behavior via RNA Sensing and Editing
Lulu Xiao1,2, Bo Qin1,3, Xinyue Zhang1,2
1Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510071, China.
Small Methods
|December 5, 2024
Summary
The novel CRISPR-ADAReader system precisely targets RNA to control cell activity. This advanced genetic tool shows promise for cancer treatment by selectively eliminating tumor cells while maintaining safety in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Bioengineering
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Molecular Biology
- Genetic Engineering
Background:
- A need exists for precise genetic tools to identify and manipulate specific cell types via signaling pathways.
- Current methods lack the specificity and programmability required for advanced cellular control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the CRISPR-ADAReader system for RNA detection and cell activity manipulation.
- To demonstrate the system's programmability, specificity, and sensitivity in regulating cellular behavior.
Main Methods:
- Development of the CRISPR-ADAReader system with positive and negative feedback loops.
- Utilizing distinct RNAs as activation signals for monitoring and altering cell behaviors.
- Case study on retinoblastoma treatment involving MCYN and Rb transcript detection.
Main Results:
- The CRISPR-ADAReader system demonstrated precise RNA sensing and tailored cellular regulation.
- In retinoblastoma models, it selectively induced apoptosis in cancer cells while protecting normal cells.
- Significant anti-tumor effectiveness was observed in vivo, reducing tumor proliferation and activating cancer-suppression pathways.
Conclusions:
- The CRISPR-ADAReader system is a groundbreaking tool for RNA detection and editing.
- It offers precise and customizable governance of cell behavior with a favorable in vivo safety profile.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
869
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...
869
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
22.4K
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.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
22.4K
02:15Experimental RNAi
6.1K
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...
6.1K
02:23RNA Editing
8.9K
RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or modification. The extent of RNA editing varies from a few hundred bases, in mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, to a just single base, in nuclear genes of mammals. Even a single base change in the pre-mRNA can convert a codon for one amino acid into the codon for another amino acid or a stop codon. This type of re-coding can significantly affect the...
8.9K
01:23RNA Interference
25.9K
RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
25.9K
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
16.6K
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...
16.6K