In a groundbreaking exploration of cell surface biology, Ryan Flynn has uncovered a surprising role for RNA outside the confines of the cell. Flynn's research, which focuses on the biology of cell surface RNA, led to the discovery that certain RNAs are chemically linked to glycans-;complex carbohydrate polymers found on the cell surface.
Harvard UniversityAug 22 2024 In a groundbreaking exploration of cell surface biology, Ryan Flynn has uncovered a surprising role for RNA outside the confines of the cell. Flynn's research, which focuses on the biology of cell surface RNA , led to the discovery that certain RNA s are chemically linked to glycans-; complex carbohydrate polymers found on the cell surface.
The challenge of proving the existence of glycoRNAs Despite the initial excitement surrounding Flynn's 2021 discovery, there was a significant challenge: proving that these glycoRNAs truly existed as distinct molecules. Though the team presented data consistent with the existence of glycoRNAs, there was no direct evidence of a chemical linkage between the RNA and the glycan.
Implications for cell biology and immunology The implications of this research extend far beyond the simple identification of a new molecule. GlycoRNAs, as Flynn's team discovered, could play a role in immune system interactions. "In the 2021 paper, we found evidence that glycoRNAs can interact with immune receptors," he says.
Flynn's research has reshaped the field of glycobiology. Prior to this work, the idea of glycoRNAs was met with skepticism. Now, as Flynn highlighted, the most recent edition of the Essentials of Glycobiology reference book refers to glycoRNAs as one of the "big" questions in glycobiology.
Cell Enzyme Glycan Glycans Glycosylation Immune System Lipids Polymers Research RNA
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
INTEGRA Biosciences and Parse Biosciences offer affordable, automated single cell RNA sequencingINTEGRA Biosciences and Parse Biosciences have partnered to automate single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.
Read more »
Researchers develop highly reactive RNA building blocks for enhanced chip productionAn international research team led by the University of Vienna has succeeded in developing a new version of RNA building blocks with higher chemical reactivity and photosensitivity. This can significantly reduce the production time of RNA chips used in biotechnological and medical research.
Read more »
Single-cell RNA sequencing sheds light on stroke-induced brain damageStrokes lead to irreversible damage to the brain and are one of the most common causes of dependency or death.
Read more »
KAUST researchers uncover LINE-1 RNA’s role in triggering bone repairAround half of the human genome is composed of DNA fragments originating from ancient viruses. These 'transposable elements' (TEs) are now known to play various roles in modulating gene expression and disease development.
Read more »
Lexogen Launches RiboCop rRNA Depletion Kit for Fish SpeciesLexogen, a leader in RNA sequencing technologies, is thrilled to announce the launch of the RiboCop rRNA Depletion Kit for Fish, a dedicated solution to facilitate transcriptome analysis of fish species by effectively removing unwanted ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from total RNA samples.
Read more »
Stephen Flynn brandishes Daily Record frontpage during Keir Starmer's first PMQsThe SNP Westminster leader held up a printout of the paper with the headline 'Vote for ending child poverty'.
Read more »