What Exciting Areas of RNA Research Are Emerging on RNA Day?

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Today, August 1, is RNA Day, highlighting the significance of RNA in biological research. Key areas of interest include the role of RNAs in cellular organization through biomolecular condensates, with studies showing how mRNA structure influences phase separation and how RNA buffers the behavior of prion-like proteins. Another exciting focus is the regulatory functions of coding and non-coding RNAs in transcription, including models of transcriptional control and the recruitment of chromatin modifiers by long noncoding RNAs. Additionally, post-transcriptional regulation through RNA modifications is gaining attention, emphasizing its impact on gene expression. Recent competitions exploring the origins of DNA/RNA using AI methods have sparked debate, with some skeptics questioning the feasibility of achieving satisfactory solutions. The choice of August 1 for RNA Day is notable, as "AUG" is the start codon in genetic coding. Overall, RNA research is a dynamic and evolving field with significant implications for understanding cellular processes.
Ygggdrasil
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Today (AUG 1) is RNA Day, an international celebration of one of the most versatile biomolecules in existence. What are some areas of RNA research that excite you most?

Some of the most intriguing areas of current research to me (with example links for further reading):

The role of RNAs in organizing the cell through formation of biomolecular condensates:
mRNA structure determines specificity of a polyQ-driven phase separation
RNA buffers the phase separation behavior of prion-like RNA binding proteins

Potential roles for coding and non-coding RNAs in regulating transcription:
A Phase Separation Model for Transcriptional Control
The recruitment of chromatin modifiers by long noncoding RNAs: lessons from PRC2

Post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs by chemical modification:
Dynamic RNA Modifications in Gene Expression Regulation
http://dev.biologists.org/content/143/21/3871.long
 
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Nice post. There's a lot going on with RNA research.

I ran across a recent competition looking for the mechanism of how things evolved into the DNA/RNA scheme we have today using AI methods.

https://www.space.com/16311-origins-of-life-challenge-winners.html

http://www.frontlinegenomics.com/blog/19919/5-million-tech-prize-seeks-answer-origin-life/

Of course, there are contest detractors who don't believe it will be solved to the satisfaction of the judging criteria.
 
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RNA day, pretty fun thing having it on AUG 1st. AUG = start codon.

Ygggdrasil said:
Sounds a lot like this:
Imaging dynamic and selective low-complexity domain interactions that control gene transcription.
This article has an emphasis on binding among proteins to cause phase seperation, but I suppose RNAs could easily be involved.
Not sure about a direct connection.
 
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