Texas scientists expand the range of RNA targets

RNA experts at UT Southwestern have advanced their research into the way synthetic strands of RNA can be used to control gene expression. They already knew that the strands disrupted a mixture of proteins around DNA. Now they conclude that the strands also affect a "promoter region" in front of the gene that plays a key role in activating or inhibiting a gene--a central target in therapeutic discovery work. Their insight reveals a whole new area for drug discovery work.

"Our findings about the underlying mechanisms of RNA-activated gene expression reveal a new and unexpected target for potential drug development," said Dr. David Corey, professor of pharmacology and biochemistry at UT Southwestern. "By demonstrating how small RNAs can be used to recruit proteins to gene promoters, we have provided further evidence that this phenomenon should be in the mainstream of science."

- check out the release
- read the story from News-Medical

Related Articles:
Texas--Top Five Regions Targeting Biotech Companies
Synthetic biology spawns fresh approach to antibiotics
Is synthetic biotechnology the next big thing?