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Cards (95)

  • RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are both types of nucleic acids, involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information.
  • DNA is typically a double-stranded molecule that forms a double helix, with the backbone composed of sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups, and the nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) connected through hydrogen bonds.
  • RNA is usually a single-stranded molecule, although it can fold back on itself, forming complex secondary and tertiary structures.
  • The backbone of RNA consists of ribose sugar and phosphate groups, and the nitrogenous bases are adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine.
  • In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine (A-T), and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G) through hydrogen bonding.
  • In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil (A-U), and cytosine still pairs with guanine (C-G) through hydrogen bonding.
  • The primary structure of DNA is the double helix, while the tertiary structure is mainly associated with how it packs into the cell nucleus, forming structures like chromatin and chromosomes during cell division.
  • The tertiary structure of RNA is more diverse and complex, with RNA molecules capable of adopting diverse and dynamic tertiary structures that play essential roles in cellular functions such as gene expression and regulation.
  • The double-stranded structure of DNA contributes to its stability, making it less prone to degradation and more resistant to environmental factors.
  • The single-stranded nature of RNA makes it more susceptible to degradation by various cellular enzymes, but some RNA molecules, especially those involved in critical cellular processes, can have stable tertiary structures that protect them from rapid degradation.
  • The unique features of the structures of DNA and RNA dictate their functions in processes such as information storage, transmission, and protein synthesis.
  • DNA typically forms a stable double helix, while RNA is more versatile, capable of adopting diverse and dynamic tertiary structures that play essential roles in cellular functions such as gene expression and regulation.
  • The double helix structure of DNA is crucial for its primary role as the genetic material, allowing for accurate transmission of genetic information during DNA replication and faithful inheritance of genetic instructions from one generation of cells to the next.
  • DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes, which are vital for proper segregation of genetic material during cell division.
  • The single-stranded nature of RNA provides flexibility, allowing it to adopt a wide variety of structures, which is essential for the diverse functions of RNA in the cell.
  • mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes during protein synthesis, serving as a temporary copy of the genetic code and being more dynamic in its structure, allowing for easy accessibility and reading by the cellular machinery.
  • tRNA molecules have a specific cloverleaf-shaped structure crucial for their role in bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, allowing tRNA to recognize both the codon on mRNA and the corresponding amino acid.
  • RNA molecules can be encapsulated within nanoparticles, providing protection against enzymatic degradation and improving their delivery to specific tissues.
  • In the absence of the ligand, the riboswitch may adopt a structure that hinders ribosome binding, leading to reduced translation.
  • Riboswitches provide a versatile and rapid mechanism for cells to adapt to changing conditions by directly sensing and responding to specific small molecules.
  • The riboswitch can form alternative structures that affect the progression of the ribosome along the mRNA.
  • Ligand-mediated targeted delivery enhances cellular uptake by promoting receptor-mediated endocytosis, improving the efficiency of delivering RNA to specific cells and tissues while minimizing uptake by non-target cells.
  • Ongoing research continues to explore and optimize ligand-mediated approaches for targeted RNA delivery.
  • Riboswitches allow for the fine-tuning of gene expression in response to specific cellular conditions.
  • Ligands can be peptides, antibodies, or aptamers that have high affinity and specificity for cell surface receptors associated with the target tissue or cells, guiding the RNA to its intended destination.
  • In the absence of the ligand, a different structure may form, causing ribosome stalling or premature termination.
  • Some riboswitches regulate translation through a process called attenuation.
  • Lipid nanoparticles can be employed as carriers for RNA therapeutics, protecting RNA from degradation, promoting cellular uptake through endocytosis, and facilitating release into the cytoplasm.
  • Ligand binding to the sensor domain can induce conformational changes in the expression platform, affecting the accessibility of the RBS and the start codon, influencing the binding of ribosomes and the initiation of translation.
  • The expression platform of the riboswitch is involved in regulating translation.
  • Targeted delivery helps minimize off-target effects by concentrating the therapeutic RNA at the desired site, crucial for therapeutic applications where precision is required, such as in cancer therapy.
  • In cancer therapy, ligands targeting cancer-specific receptors can be attached to RNA nanoparticles, for instance, aptamers that specifically bind to cancer cell surface markers can be used to guide RNA therapeutics to tumor cells.
  • Targeted delivery using ligands is a promising strategy to enhance the precision and efficacy of RNA-based therapies, offering the potential for more effective treatments with reduced side effects.
  • In the presence of the ligand, the riboswitch may adopt a conformation that facilitates ribosome binding to the mRNA, promoting translation initiation.
  • In the presence of the ligand, the riboswitch may adopt a structure that allows uninterrupted translation.
  • Chemical modifications of the RNA molecules, such as the addition of methyl groups or other stabilizing moieties, can enhance their stability in the biological environment.
  • Identifying suitable ligands with the desired specificity and affinity can be challenging, and the choice of ligand should consider factors such as immunogenicity and potential side effects.
  • The expression platform contains regions that interact with the ribosomal binding site (RBS) and the start codon of the mRNA.
  • Targeted delivery involves attaching ligands to the RNA or its delivery vehicle that specifically recognize and bind to receptors on the surface of target cells, increasing the precision of RNA delivery, reducing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
  • Some miRNAs act as oncogenes (promoting cancer) or tumor suppressors (inhibiting cancer).