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World’s largest catalogue of ocean DNA could boost drug discovery

Drug Discovery World

For example, enzymes sourced from bacteria living around hydrothermal vents have been used to support the polymerase chain reaction, the test used for Covid-19 detection. ” The ability to collect and analyse such a new wealth of ocean data comes from major developments in DNA sequencing technology and computational power. .

DNA 103
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RNA holds the reins in bacteria: U-M researchers observe RNA controlling protein synthesis

Scienmag

Credit: Surajit Chatterjee To better understand how RNA in bacteria gives rise to protein–and along the way, target these processes in the design of new antibiotics–researchers are turning their attention to the unique way this process happens in bacteria.

RNA 82
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Stop the genetic presses!

Scienmag

Study describes new mechanism for terminating transcription of DNA into RNA in bacteria Credit: Babitzke Laboratory and Dani Zemba, Penn State The protein, known as NusG, pauses the transcription machinery at specific DNA sequences to facilitate what is called “intrinsic termination” and prevent unwanted transcription that could disrupt (..)

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Bacteriophages: the viruses that can actually be good for you

Pharmaceutical Technology

Bacteria naturally develop resistance to antibiotics over time, through genetic mutation, horizontal gene transfer between bacteria, or because of selective pressure. Virus versus bacteria. Phages are viruses of bacteria. Secondly, the relationships between phages and bacteria are very specific.

Bacteria 130
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Gene Therapy and Pharmacokinetics

Camargo

It is a comprehensive term which encompasses a large variety of therapy products including viral and bacterial vectors, plasmid DNA, human gene editing technology, and patient-specific cellular gene therapy. Knowledge of their disposition also helps in understanding the cells where the genetic material was delivered.

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Regulating the ribosomal RNA production line

Scienmag

coli enzyme synthesizing ribosomal RNA that shift it between turbo- and slow-modes depending on the bacteria’s growth rate Credit: Murakami Laboratory, Penn State The enzyme that makes RNA from a DNA template is altered to slow the production of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the […].

RNA 85
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CRISPR pioneers Doudna and Charpentier claim Nobel chemistry prize

pharmaphorum

Originally discovered in bacteria as a defense mechanism against pathogens, CRISP/Cas9 has made it possible to make exquisitely detailed and precise alterations to DNA sequences on demand, and as a tool for molecular biology has already transformed research into diseases and drug discovery. What started as a curiosity?driven,