Scientists at the University of Valencia have been involved in the international research that has found that gene expression in eukaryotic cells is circular, rather than following a linear process, as previously thought.This finding on the molecular function of the yeast-probably identical to human-was published today in the journal Cell, and provides valuable information for use in the creation of new therapies and the discovery of the causes of diseases.
Professor Joseph E. Perez Ortín, group director Yeast Functional Genomics of the University of Valencia ensures that these results open the door to a new field of study Molecular Biology.
This research, led by the Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa and which have also worked at the University of Seville and the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, shows that the messenger RNA genetic information reaches the cytoplasm and there is used to make proteins or degrades.Unlike what was thought until now, the RNA degradation machinery can move to the nucleus and stimulate expression of the genes, thereby closing the circle of gene expression. "We have shown using functional genomics techniques developed in our laboratory that the machinery for synthesis and degradation of RNAs are reported to better control the amounts of messenger RNAs," says Perez Ortín."These results provide a new light on the black box that is the functioning of the cells," he adds.
For his part, Daniel A. Medina, fellow Santiago Grisolia, co-author argues, "the amazing thing about these results is that what was once thought that only served to destroy, also used manufacture.Thus, it is shown that cells take full advantage of everything they have, are masters in the art of DIY and recycling ".
The University of Valencia has provided expertise in functional genomics techniques that complement the work of the other groups involved.In fact, this research is included in the Project Coordination mechanisms between synthesis and degradation of messenger RNA funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. The group Yeast Functional Genomics has been a leader in Spain in the development of DNA chip technology, because in March 2000 created the first service chips ( http://scsie.uv.es/chipsdna/ ) where it has made a nylon macrochip the genome of S. cerevisiae in collaboration with other Spanish groups.GFL Group is a founding member of the Interdisciplinary Research Structure (ERI) BioTecMed (http://www.uv.es/ ~ biotecmed), which includes several groups of the Faculty of Biology of the University who work in areas of Molecular Biology and Cell.
GFL Group is also a member of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Microcluster with Yeast Model (BBLM) forming part of the Campus of International Excellence Campus VLC ( http://www.vlc-campus.com/ ).
Last update: 23 de may de 2013 07:26.
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