Nucleotide News and Research

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Prevalence of adaptive and prolonged infections’ mutations in receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

A new study used the available nucleotide sequence data on the NCBI COVID-19 database and estimated the global prevalence of adaptive and prolonged infections' mutations in the RBD of the S protein.

4 Oct 2021

Researchers supplement synthetic biology toolkit to streamline investigations into genetic code expansion

One of modern biologists' most ambitious goals is to learn how to expand or otherwise modify the genetic code of life on Earth, in order to make new, artificial life forms.

30 Sep 2021

Large-scale SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutants analysis identifies subclonal variants indicative of within-host viral diversity

Researchers have investigated a vast SARS-CoV-2 assembly and NGS data set to detect non-synonymous S protein mutations.

29 Sep 2021

Researchers detect two types of RNA base modifications simultaneously using a quantum sequencer

After a gene is transcribed into RNA, modifications can occur to the subunits or "bases" that make up the RNA molecule, which can affect its structure and function. The study of these changes is known as "epitranscriptomics." These base modifications can occur to most types of RNA molecules, including microRNAs.

29 Sep 2021

Researchers describe a novel role for hnRNP E1 protein in binding DNA in the nucleus

Cancer is a devastating disease and is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. One of the hallmarks of cancer is genomic instability, or the tendency to accumulate mutations and damage to the DNA that leads to genome alterations during cell division.

25 Sep 2021

Cardiotoxic effects of common chemotherapy drug could be prevented

Harmful side effects from a common chemotherapy drug could be the result of a single mutation, according to a study published in Cell Stem Cell.

24 Sep 2021

A variant analysis approach for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples

A recent study proposes a simple and specific method for the enhanced detection of the SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in wastewater samples.

19 Sep 2021

Drug accumulation alters gut bacterial metabolism and composition

In a research paper recently published in the journal Nature by Klünemann et al. (September 8th, 2021), the interaction of 15 diverse drugs with 25 common strains of gut bacteria is investigated, revealing 70 bacteria-drug interactions that include 29 entirely novel mechanisms not yet reported.

15 Sep 2021

Study reveals role of globalization and zoonosis in the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants

A recent study aimed to use their own classification of different SARS-CoV-2 lineages that would help monitor their genetic features and geographical origins.

14 Sep 2021

Study identifies broadly neutralizing antibody panel against SARS-like viruses

A recent study describes 40 broadly neutralizing antibodies from two individuals with a history of COVID-19 who were recently immunized against the virus.

13 Sep 2021

New SARS-CoV-2 mechanism of host gene suppression

A new study finds that the viral non-coding RNA dubbed vmiR-5p, derived from the viral gene ORF7a, appears to reduce host transcription.

13 Sep 2021

Researchers find a way to turn SARS-CoV-2’s virulence mechanism against itself

A recent study, currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server, reveals that a specific region of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be targeted by antisense oligonucleotides to potently inhibit viral replication, and consequently the development of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

12 Sep 2021

Newly identified mechanism can accelerate the development of STING-activating drugs using imaging

A new study from scientists at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that emerging drugs that activate the protein STING, a well-established regulator of immune cell activation, substantially alter the activity of metabolic pathways responsible for generating the nucleotide building blocks for DNA.

7 Sep 2021

Breakthrough study could lead to much needed therapies for Huntington's disease

A new mechanism that stops the progression of Huntington's disease in cells has been identified by scientists at UCL and the University of Cambridge, as part of their research groups at the UK Dementia Research Institute.

31 Aug 2021

New, one-stop method developed to avoid de novo genetic disease in embryos

De novo variants (DNVs), genetic mutations that were not previously identifiable in the family history of one of two prospective parents, may cause disease in any children they have.

31 Aug 2021

Antisense oligonucleotides engineered to inhibit SARS-CoV-2

In a paper recently uploaded to the bioRxiv* preprint server, structure-based ASOs are developed against SARS-CoV-2, intended to bond with RNA in its structured in situ form, rather than the more rarely encountered linear section, achieving greater affinity and specificity than linear ASOs, and demonstrating inhibition of virus replication in human cells.

30 Aug 2021

SARS-CoV-2 destabilizes host RNA to improve fitness

In a study recently published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists have mapped the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 RNA and host RNA. They have observed that the virus heavily methylates its genome using the methylation machinery of the host RNA, leading to an improvement in viral fitness.

27 Aug 2021

Recognizing viral genomes in quick, ‘CRISP’ ways

Researchers from China recently reviewed the latest advancements, applications, and prospects of virus detection using CRISPR-Cas systems.

27 Aug 2021

Frameshift deletion mutation in ORF7a may provide fitness advantage to Australia's SARS-CoV-2 delta variants

A team of scientists from Australia has recently identified a frameshift deletion mutation in ORF7a of the delta variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The mutation results in the production of a truncated peptide with altered functionality. The study is currently available on the medRxiv* preprint server while awaiting peer review.

24 Aug 2021

The emergence and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (B.1.621) variant

A new study details the genomic characteristics and descent of a SARS-CoV-2 variant of interest.

23 Aug 2021