Penn biologists discover how 'silent' mutations influence protein ...( PHILADELPHIA - Biologists at the Uni...)
PHILADELPHIA - Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have revealed a hidden code that determines the expression level of a gene, providing a way to distinguish efficient genes from inefficient ones. The new research, which involved creating hundreds of synthetic green-glowing genes, provides an explanation for how a cell "knows" how much of each protein to make, providing just the right amount of protein to maintain homeostasis yet not too much to cause cell toxicity.
In the study, Penn biologists analyzed how protein levels are governed by synonymous, or silent, mutations within the protein-coding region.
Synonymous mutations do not change the amino-acid sequence of a protein, but they can nevertheless influence the amount of the protein that is produced. The researchers identified the mechanism underlying this regulation: synonymous mutations determine mRNA folding and thereby the eventual protein level. The researchers also identified a class of mutations that did not directly affect protein levels but slowed bacterial growth.
For biologists, these results fundamentally change the understanding of the role of synonymous mutations, which were previously considered evolutionarily neutral. The findings may also improve the design of therapeutic genes. Many drugs, such as insulin, are produced by transgenic cell lines. Using optimized genes will produce larger amounts of therapeutic proteins while keeping the transgenic, carrier cells healthy and fast-growing.
The human genome contains more than 20,000 genes that encode the proteins present in a human body. Some of these proteins are needed in bulk, while for others a tiny amount is sufficient and a large amount would be toxic. The question is how cells "know" how much of each protein to make.
To answer this question, Joshua B. Plotkin, senior author and the Martin Meyerson Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology in Penn's School of Arts and
'/>"/>
| Contact: Jordan Reese jreese@upenn.edu 215-573-6604 University of Pennsylvania Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. UIC biologists use DNA to study migration of threatened whale sharks
2. Penn biologists demonstrate that size matters... in snail shells
3. Two innovative University of Texas at Austin biologists become HHMI Early Career Scientists
4. Plant biologists discover gene that switches on essence of male
5. Cleaning up oil spills can kill more fish than spills themselves, say Queens biologists
6. Biologists solve mystery of black wolves
7. Biologists discover link between CGG repeats in DNA and neurological disorders
8. Biologists learn structure, mechanism of powerful molecular motor in virus
9. Queens University biologists find new environmental threat in North American lakes
10. Biologists discover gene behind plant sex mystery
11. Caltech geobiologists discover unique magnetic death star fossil
 Penn biologists discover how 'silent' mutations influence protein production |
| Copyright © 2003-2009 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |