A new study from the University of Maryland in C. elegans (roundworms) reveals that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can travel between cells and even influence gene expression for over 100 generations. scientists found that a protein called SID-1 acts as a “gatekeeper,” controlling the entry of dsRNA into cells. Interestingly, when SID-1 was removed, the worms became better at passing on gene expression changes, and these changes persisted for more than 100 generations. This discovery has big implications for RNA-based therapeutics. It suggests that not only do RNA therapies need to reach individual cells, but our cells may already have natural pathways for importing regulatory RNA, and these pathways could be harnessed or modulated to make treatments more effective.
A related epigenetics study from the Salk Institute found that genetic sequences themselves help guide where DNA methylation is added in the genome. Previously, scientists mostly thought methylation patterns were governed by other epigenetic marks; this discovery shows that the underlying DNA sequence also plays a directing role. Together, these findings highlight how genetic sequence, RNA movement, and epigenetic markers work as an integrated system. They also point to new possibilities for therapies that aim to influence gene expression in a long-lasting, precise way.
1st article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250205131827.htm
2nd article: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1107133
No comments:
Post a Comment