Celebrating RNA Day: Exploring Exciting Areas of RNA Research

In summary: BER RNAi screens identify small molecules that specifically and efficiently silence gene expression in mammalian cells.In summary, RNA day is a day to celebrate the importance of RNA biology, specifically as a cause of the current pandemic. Recent papers have focused on investigating how RNA modifications regulate transcription and how pseudogenes can have a function in regulating gene expression.
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Today (AUG 1) is RNA Day, an international celebration of one of the most versatile biomolecules in existence. This year, in particular, we are reminded of the importance of RNA biology as a pandemic caused by an RNA virus has disrupted life worldwide.

What are some areas of RNA research that excite you most? Here are some recent papers/topics on RNA biology that have been on my mind recently:

Targeting PTBP1, an RNA binding protein, could help regenerate neurons:
Glia-to-Neuron Conversion by CRISPR-CasRx Alleviates Symptoms of Neurological Disease in Mice
Reversing a model of Parkinson’s disease with in situ converted nigral neurons

The role of R-loops (formed by the hybridization of mRNA and DNA at transcription bubbles) in regulating transcription and genome stability:
Regulatory R-loops as facilitators of gene expression and genome stability
R-loops coordinate with SOX2 in regulating reprogramming to pluripotency

RNA modifications can regulate transcription through regulation of chromatin-associated regulatory RNAs:
N6-methyladenosine of chromosome-associated regulatory RNA regulates chromatin state and transcription

(Here's the link to last year's RNA day thread with more good reading: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/happy-rna-day.952500/)
 
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Cool.

The thing I find most interesting in the last few years is the determination of a cells transcriptome (all the RNA's it is expressing at a particular time) and comparisons between different stages of development, different cell types and different species.
Using cleaver molecular techniques, the cell lineages leading to the transcriptional states can also be determined.

Cell type atlas and lineage of a whole complex animal by single-cell transcriptomics.

Single-cell mapping of gene expression landscapes and lineage in the zebrafish embryo.

A cell's total expression of RNA is often thought to largely define a cell's "cell type", an old, but theoretically important biological concept that has not been well defined.

The evolution of new cell types is considered important to the generation of novel structures in evolution.
Tracking their lineages as they develop shows how new cell types can be generated during embryonic development.
 
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A belated Happy RNA day to everyone! (Sorry I missed it).

How about the RNA transcripts of pseudogenes that have a function, not as mRNA to make proteins, but in interfering (RNAi) with functional mRNA to regulate gene expression.

AM
 

What is RNA Day?

RNA Day is an annual celebration held on April 25th to raise awareness about the importance of RNA research and its impact on various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Why is RNA research important?

RNA is a crucial molecule that plays a vital role in gene expression, protein synthesis, and regulation of cellular processes. Studying RNA can help us understand diseases, develop new treatments, and improve crop yields.

What are some exciting areas of RNA research?

Some exciting areas of RNA research include RNA interference, RNA editing, RNA vaccines, and RNA-based therapeutics. These areas have the potential to revolutionize medicine and agriculture.

How can I get involved in celebrating RNA Day?

You can get involved in celebrating RNA Day by attending events and workshops organized by universities and research institutions, sharing information about RNA research on social media, and participating in online discussions and forums.

What are some future prospects for RNA research?

The future of RNA research looks promising, with advancements in technology and techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 and single-cell RNA sequencing. This will allow for a deeper understanding of RNA's role in diseases and the development of more targeted and personalized treatments.

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