A team of researchers from Aarhus University and the Italian Institute of Technology have identified how specific proteins can bind to unique structures in RNA known as G-quadruplexes. Furthermore, they have created computational tools that can predict these interactions between proteins and RNA. This newfound capability to forecast these interactions has the potential to advance our understanding of molecular pathways within cells and could lead to the development of drugs that target these RNA G-quadruplex binding proteins. These proteins have been found to be involved in diseases such as cancer.Proteins binding to RNA play a crucial role in numerous cellular processes and can facilitate various biological functions. The G-quadruplex, a specialized structure present in both DNA and RNA, serves as a regulatory element. Researchers have also created computational tools with the capability to anticipate these protein-RNA interactions. This newfound ability to forecast these interactions can greatly contribute to the comprehension of molecular pathways within the cell. Furthermore, it may lead to the development of medications targeting RNA G-quadruplex binding proteins, which have been implicated in diseases such as cancer.The study focuses on the elements involved in gene expression in both DNA and RNA. Researchers utilized theoretical predictions and molecular biology experiments to demonstrate that numerous chromatin-binding proteins can bind to RNA G-quadruplexes. This information allows for the classification of proteins based on their potential to bind RNA G-quadruplexes.
The research employed a combination of experimental identification of RNA G-quadruplex-binding proteins and computational methods to develop a prediction tool that can determine the likelihood of a protein binding to RNA G-quadruplexes. The results indicated that the predicted proteins exhibit a high degree of protein disorder and hydro.
Phlicity is thought to be involved in both transcription and phase-separation into membrane-less organelles.
Ulf Ørom’s team previously discovered that RNA-DNA dual binding proteins are likely to play a role in the DNA damage response, connecting the DNA and RNA binding properties of several proteins. In the new study, the scientists expanded their understanding of RNA-binding proteins by identifying proteins that bind to RNA G-quadruplexes.
Additionally, the researchers have created a computational tool to evaluate the potential of proteins to bind to RNA G-quadruplexes, which can be accessed at http://service.tartaglialab.com/new_submission/cle
The researchers have just published their findings in Nature Communications. Their study has identified properties of protein-RNA interactions and has provided methods for identifying G-quadruplex binding properties that could potentially be targeted in the treatment of diseases.
For more information, you can visit http://service.tartaglialab.com/new_submission/clever_G4_classifier. The journal reference for this study is Johanna Luige, Alexandros Armaos, Gian Gaetano Tartaglia, Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom, “Predicting nuclear G-quadruplex RNA-binding proteins with roles in transcription.”The article titled “Nature Communications” discusses the topic of phase separation. The publication year is 2024 and the volume is 15, issue 1. The DOI for the article is 10.1038/s41467-024-46731-9.