All articles tagged with #rna modification
KAIST researchers developed a precise RNA modification technology using CRISPR-Cas13 and a hyperactive NAT10 variant, enabling targeted acetylation of specific RNAs in living cells and animals, which could advance RNA-based therapies and gene regulation research.
Scientists have revealed the three-dimensional structure of CRISPR-Cas13bt3, one of the smallest known CRISPR-Cas13 systems used for RNA modification. This discovery has allowed researchers to enhance the tool's precision, making it more effective in targeting and editing specific sites. The small size of CRISPR-Cas13bt3 enables better access and delivery to target-editing sites, holding promise for combatting viruses by targeting RNA. The study utilized cryo-electron microscopy to map the structure and revealed that CRISPR-Cas13bt3 operates differently from other proteins in the same family. The findings have paved the way for further engineering efforts to improve the tool's specificity while maintaining high on-target RNA editing activity.
A comprehensive review discusses the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of RNA modifications, including m6A, m5C, m1A, m7G, Ψ, and A-to-I editing. The review explores the role of RNA modifying enzymes as "writers," "erasers," and "readers" in regulating mRNA stability, translation, and localization. It also highlights the dysregulation of specific RNA modifiers in various diseases and lists promising small molecule inhibitors targeting RNA modifiers. The review provides insights for future research and the development of RNA-modification-targeted therapeutic strategies.