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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...

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

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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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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.
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RNA Stability

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Translation

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Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 9, 2025

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

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Effects of Nucleoside Modifications on mRNA Translation: Choosing the Right Modifications.

¹Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway. mosioud@medisin.uio.no.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|August 28, 2025

Summary

Advancements in messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics leverage modified nucleosides to enhance stability and reduce immune responses. Optimizing modification types and positions is crucial for effective mRNA translation and therapeutic development.

Keywords:

Chemical modifications In vitro transcription Modified nucleosides N1 methylpseudouridine Pseudouridine Translation

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Vaccinology

Background:

The success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has accelerated research into mRNA-based therapeutics.
Key innovations involve modified nucleosides and lipid nanoparticle delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

To detail the production, purification, and translation evaluation of modified mRNA in human cells.
To investigate the impact of various 5-position pyrimidine modifications on mRNA therapeutics.

Main Methods:

In vitro transcription using phage T7 RNA polymerase with modified ribonucleoside triphosphates.
Production and purification of modified mRNA constructs.
Assessment of mRNA translation efficiency in human cells.

Main Results:

Modified nucleosides are generally tolerated by T7 RNA polymerase.
Specific modifications can reduce innate immune activation but have variable effects on translation.
The choice of modification and its position significantly influence mRNA translation.

Conclusions:

Careful consideration of nucleoside modification type, position, and mRNA sequence is essential for designing effective mRNA therapeutics.
Optimized modifications can improve the therapeutic potential of mRNA technology.