The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has changed the way we see a broad array of cellular events nowadays in all kingdoms of life. Their complexity in number and types increases as we move up to the evolutionary ladder and many of them specifically target RNA or DNA to inhibit gene function. In eukaryotes, ncRNAs consist of small molecules (<200 nt,…
The control of mRNA lifecycle is critical for the regulation of gene expression. Splicing and Poly(A)-tail addition, mRNA export and translation, every step of mRNA’s life is subject to elaborate control. Sooner or later, every mRNA in all organisms from all kingdoms of life is destined to degrade. For this reason, many mechanisms and factors are devoted to modulate precisely…
Since their first discovery in the early 60’s, research on tRNAs has always been interconnected with the evolution of the genetic code and translation. Today, more than ever, it is evident that tRNA research continues to reveal new and surprising aspects of cellular metabolism. Research on the role of tRNAs as unique adaptor molecules has revolutionized synthetic biology. Moreover, new…