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The surprising secret of self-splicing: Why can RNA repair itself on its own?
When we talk about the basic units of life, nucleic acids always occupy an important place. In the operation of these nucleic acids, the splicing process of RNA (ribonucleic acid) shows its unique and surprising ability-self-repair. New research reveals how RNA carries out this process independently with astonishing efficiency, providing new insights into biology.
RNA splicing is a molecular biological process in which nascent precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) is converted into mature messenger RNA (mRNA).
During the process of RNA splicing, the RNA removes introns (non-coding regions) and splices together exons (coding regions). For most eukaryotic cells, this process occurs within the nucleus. RNA splicing is not only a critical step in gene expression, but also provides flexibility to many eukaryotic genes, especially the ability to be expressed into multiple protein forms under different circumstances.
Splicing pathways: from basic to complex
There are many ways of splicing RNA, and they vary depending on the structure of the intron to be spliced and the catalysts required. In the world of nucleic acid splicing, we see the following major splicing complexes.
Self-splicing introns exhibit an autocatalytic ability to remove themselves and form a complete RNA structure.
The power of self-splicing introns
Self-splicing refers to the process in which certain special introns act as ribozymes. These introns can complete their own splicing without the need for proteins. This suggests that RNA itself may have developed some form of self-repair ability early in evolution.
For example, although the splicing process of Group I and Group II introns is inextricably linked to current splicing enzymes, they demonstrate the self-packaging and management capabilities of RNA.
Splicing selectivity and its impact
In most cases, RNA splicing allows cells to produce proteins with different functions in a flexible manner. This phenomenon is called alternative splicing. A given mRNA can be spliced in different ways, such as extending, skipping exons, or retaining introns, resulting in multiple mature mRNA transcripts.
Alternative splicing makes the production of RNA no longer a single process, but a mechanism that responds quickly to the external environment.
It is estimated that approximately 95% of transcripts of multi-exon genes undergo alternative splicing, demonstrating the complexity and diversity of the RNA splicing process.
The effect of DNA damage on splicing
Interestingly, DNA damage can directly affect the RNA splicing process. Research shows that DNA errors will change the modification, location, expression and activity of splicing factors, thereby interfering with the normal function of RNA splicing.
DNA damage often affects splicing and alternative splicing of genes closely related to DNA repair.
Experimental splicing intervention
With the rapid development of science and technology, researchers have been able to use exogenous anti-nucleic acids to regulate RNA splicing. This strategy shows great potential in treating genetic diseases associated with splicing defects.
Conclusion
The self-splicing ability of RNA not only makes us realize the complexity of life, but also makes us reflect on its importance in the evolution process. Does this mysterious biological process indicate a higher level of life phenomena?
