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Regulated mRNA Transport

Regulated mRNA Transport

In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing...

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability

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...

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

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.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...

Nucleic Acid Structure

Nucleic 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...

RNA Stability

RNA 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Synthesis and Characterization of mRNA-Loaded PolyBeta Aminoesters Nanoparticles for Vaccination Purposes

Synthesis and Characterization of mRNA-Loaded PolyBeta Aminoesters Nanoparticles for Vaccination Purposes

Published on: August 13, 2021

Polymers for mRNA Delivery.

Hui Wang¹, Yiyun Cheng²

¹South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology

|January 7, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Functional polymers are advancing messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery for new medicines. This review covers biodegradable and hybrid nanostructures for efficient mRNA therapeutics, highlighting future prospects.

Keywords:

drug delivery intracellular release mRNA nanoparticles polymers

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2025

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Using Lipid Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Chemically Modified mRNA into Mammalian Cells

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics offer a novel approach to medicine by instructing cells to produce therapeutic proteins.
Efficient delivery of mRNA into target cells is crucial for realizing its therapeutic potential.
Current delivery methods face challenges in balancing mRNA binding and controlled release.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the latest advancements in functional polymers for efficient mRNA delivery.
To summarize the design principles of biodegradable and low molecular weight polymers for mRNA therapeutics.
To explore polymer/lipid hybrid nanostructures and future directions in polymer-based mRNA delivery systems.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on recent research in polymer-based mRNA delivery systems.
Analysis of polymer properties influencing mRNA binding, stability, and cellular uptake.
Examination of hybrid nanostructures combining polymers and lipids for enhanced delivery.

Main Results:

Functional polymers, including biodegradable and low molecular weight types, show promise for controlled mRNA delivery.
Polymer/lipid hybrid nanostructures leverage the benefits of both material types for improved mRNA therapeutics.
Key design considerations involve optimizing the polymer's ability to bind, protect, and release mRNA effectively.

Conclusions:

Functional polymers are critical for the advancement of mRNA delivery technologies.
Continued innovation in polymer design and hybrid systems is essential for overcoming current challenges.
The development of effective polymer-based mRNA delivery systems holds significant promise for future therapeutics.