Summary of Research on Genetic Transcription from IOCB Prague
Scientists at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) have discovered a new molecular mechanism involved in initiating gene transcription – the process of copying genetic details from DNA to RNA.
Key Findings:
* Alarmone Caps: The research focuses on “alarmone caps” – chemical modifications on RNA molecules formed by dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs).These caps protect RNA during cellular stress.
* NpN Initiation: The team demonstrated, at the atomic level, that RNA polymerase can initiate transcription using NpNs rather of standard RNA building blocks. This is a previously unknown mechanism.
* Unique Base Pairing: NpNs bind to RNA polymerase through a different type of base pairing then typically observed.
* Cryo-EM Importance: Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was crucial for visualizing the process,allowing researchers to observe the enzyme’s active site and how npns bind within it. IOCB Prague recently opened a state-of-the-art cryo-EM center.
Significance:
This revelation provides fundamental insights into how cells adapt to stress and how RNA plays a central role in cellular responses to threats like nutrient deprivation or temperature shock. Understanding this mechanism could have broader implications for understanding gene regulation and cellular function.
Researchers Involved:
* Dr. Hana Cahová: led the study.
* Valentina Serianni: Demonstrated the ability of NpNs to initiate transcription.
* Jana Škerlová: Focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase using cryo-EM.
* Dr. Tomáš Kouba: Led the cryo-EM portion of the project.
Publication:
The findings where published in Nature Chemical Biology. (DOI: 10.1038/s41589-025-021)
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