Discovery of a New Step on the Road to Protein Synthesis

There are research trends which become apparent over time. One such trend has been the revelation of many intricate molecular transformations that take place between the transcription of mRNA from DNA and the synthesis of proteins based on the genetic information contained in DNA. Researchers from Rockefeller University discovered a new step in the process.

A news release titled Molecular machine turns packaged messenger RNA into a linear transcript reveals that a protein of the nuclear pore complex- nucleoportin (Nup214)- binds to a protein known as a helicase to form a molecular complex which unpacks messenger RNA (mRNA). The unpacking process enables the subsequent translation step and eventual protein synthesis.

Messenger RNA is created in the nucleus of a cell. Messenger RNA is not a very stable molecule and proteins cover it and protect it prior to the point at which it passes through the membrane of the nucleus. But the proteins need to be stripped off so that translation of mRNA can take place. The emerging linear mRNA transcript is able to travel to a ribosome where protein synthesis occurs.

Mitochondrial DNA

THE ORGANIZATION AND INHERITANCE OF THE MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME is an article that is also a useful source of information about mitochondrial DNA. Not all of our DNA is located within the nucleii of our cells. Not surprisingly, mitochondrial DNA is located in mitochondria. Mitochondria are cellular energy factories and mitochondrial DNA codes for components of energy producing mechanisms.

The article discusses enzymes whose function involves the protection and organization of mtDNA. Mutations of genes, contained in mtDNA, can accelerate the ageing process and also lead to neuromuscular diseases.