Scientists at University College London have uncovered the secrets behind how the structure and function of nuclear pores work. More specifically, they discovered how the nucleus selectively block particular molecules to protect genetic material from being manipulated. This major discovery can now enable scientists to try to manipulate and create new drugs to stop viruses from entering (to infect genetic code).
For years scientists have been trying to figure out how the nuclear pores function, but now, they have the answer. They found out that the proteins that are in the envelope of the membrane are like thick "spaghetti" that in a way move themselves by chemical reaction to react to certain incoming molecules. Big molecules like mRNA enter the nucleus by nucleus transport receptors which act like "chaperones". Nuclear proteins will then tighten and unwind to regulate the stiffness of the nuclear membrane. These nucleus transport receptors basically lubricate the site of entrance to let the mRNA and other big molecules to get into the nucleus at a very fast rate.
The way they found this out was through atomic force microsopy (or AFM for short) to study these pores. It basically scans the surface as the articles says like "braille" to project an image on a screen.
Viruses get their way into the nucleus by tricking these pores, and by learning the genetic code viruses use to get in there, scientists can create special drugs to counter the virus coding from entering.
I found this article interesting because I love revolutionary discoveries that will enhance the survival of the human race and its generic understanding about how the human body functions. I'm guessing that it will not be long until scientists figure out a way for humans to survive ANY nuclear virus that eventually destroys the body.
Original: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141124111819.htm
Supporting Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140225143939.htm
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