NEWS |
PROTEINS RECOGNISE THEIR RNA TARGETS Cracking the molecular code of defective gene products and gene expression
DESCRIBING FOR THE FIRST TIME HOW PPR S
CIENTISTS HAVE CRACKED A molecular code that may open the way to destroying or correcting defective gene products, such as those that cause genetic disorders in humans.
The code determines the recognition of RNA
molecules by a superfamily of RNA-binding proteins called pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins. When a gene is switched on, it is copied into
RNA. This RNA is then used to make proteins that are required by the organism for all of its vital functions. If a gene is defective, its RNA copy and the proteins made from this will also be defective. This forms the basis of many genetic disorders in humans. RNA-binding PPR proteins could revolutionise
the way in which we treat disease. Their secret is their versatility ® they can find and bind a specific RNA molecule, and have the capacity to correct it if it is defective, or destroy it if it is detrimental. They can also help ramp up production of proteins required for growth and development. The new article, published in PLOS Genetics,
describes for the first time how PPR proteins recognise their RNA targets via an easy-to- understand code. This mechanism mimics the simplicity and predictability of the pairing between DNA strands described by Watson and Crick 60 years ago, but at a protein/RNA interface.
This breakthrough comes from an
international, interdisciplinary research team, including UWA researchers Professor Ian Small and Aaron Yap from the ARC Centre for Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, and Professor Charlie Bond and Yee Seng Chong from UWA's School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, along with Professor Alice Barkan's team at the University of Oregon. This research was publicly funded by the ARC and the WA State Government in Australia and the NSF in the USA. 'Many PPR proteins are vitally important, but
we don't know what they do. Now we've cracked the code, we can find out,' said ARC Plant Energy Biology Director Ian Small. 'What's more, we can now design our own
synthetic proteins to target any RNA sequence we choose ® this should allow us to control the expression of genes in new ways that just weren't available before. The potential is really exciting.' Professor Bond added: 'This discovery was
made in plants but is applicable across many species as PPR proteins are found in humans and animals too. '
NEW TREATMENT FOR DERMATOSIS PAPULOSA NIGRA
Medical aesthetic clinic Absolute Aesthetics has unveiled a new treatment for dermatosis papulosa nigra, a common skin disorder affecting those with dark complexions. The technique being used by Vicki Smith, Director of Aesthetics at the Guildford-based surgery, aims to overcome the unwelcome side-effects associated with existing methods of treating the condition. Following successful trials of the new
10 ❚
treatment, Vicki gave a presentation about her research
and
methodology at the International Master Course on Ageing Skin (IMCAS) Conference on 29 July, Shanghai, China. The condition is
recognisable by the appearance of smooth, dome shaped, brown to black papules, measuring between 1 mm and 5 mm in diameter, mainly on the cheeks, neck and upper chest.
Although the papules September 2012 |
prime-journal.com
are harmless, many sufferers feel they are unsightly, causing loss of confidence and self-esteem. There are existing
treatments for dermatosis papulosa nigra, such as curettage, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. However, these methods often produce unwanted side-effects, such as permanent discolouration of the surrounding skin. Absolute Aesthetics’ treatment uses
r adiofr equency technology applied with pinpoint precision to lift the dark spots away from the skin. Through detailed
research, the clinic has identified the optimal heat settings needed to treat the condition without causing damage or discolouration to the surrounding area. The result is a highly
effective treatment that causes no complications or undesirable side-effects.
Corrigendum
The RISTOMED study: Gender differences in response to dietary supplementation. PRIME 2012; 2(5): 30–7
An editorial error occured on page 36 of this article, Figure 4, resulting in an incorrect value. The corrected version of the article can be found online at http://
informahealthcare.com/ toc/pme. We apologise for any confusion caused.
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