Research uncovers first evidence of RNA-triggered phase separation

Research uncovers first evidence of RNA-triggered phase separation
Credit: John Innes Centre

A fundamental question in biology is how cells orchestrate chemical reactions in time and space.

Membraneless organelles are the center for many of these chemical reactions.

It is understood that a process called Liquid-liquid (LLPS) plays an important role in the formation of these centers of biochemical activity. But how is this important process regulated?

Evidence is mounting that phase separation is driven by multiple interactions between proteins and/or .

Previous studies have mainly focused on phase separation driven by proteins, our understanding of how RNA contributes is more limited.

Research by the John Innes center, the Dr. Zoe Waller lab at the University of East Anglia and the Professor Philip Benfey lab at Duke University, U.S. reveals a phase separation-like phenomenon which RNA goes through in plant root cells.

Biophysics analysis showed that RNA structures called G-Quadruplexes—extremely stable structures found in RNA or DNA—could drive RNA to form phase separation especially under physiological conditions. The study suggests that G-quadruplex structures provide the trigger for phase-separation phenomenon in nature.

Dr. Yiliang Ding, the corresponding author of the study says: "Our study provides the first evidence that RNA can adopt complex structures to trigger and or maintain phase separation, providing the possibility of a new regulatory role in plant root development."

Dr. Yueying Zhang, the first author of this study says: "Our study also provides evidence that RNA might play a key role in determining the specificity of RNA phase separation."

The study: "G-quadruplex Structures Trigger RNA Phase Separation," appears in the journal Nucleic Acids Research.

More information: Yueying Zhang et al. G-quadruplex structures trigger RNA phase separation, Nucleic Acids Research (2019). DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz978

Journal information: Nucleic Acids Research

Provided by John Innes Centre

Citation: Research uncovers first evidence of RNA-triggered phase separation (2019, November 19) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2019-11-uncovers-evidence-rna-triggered-phase.html
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