Comparing gene transcripts from different species reveals surprising splicing diversity.

In eukaryotic genetics, the one-gene/one-protein concept has, for the most part, breathed its last. Researchers have rallied behind mechanisms such as alternative splicing, which may allow a lowly 30,000-gene genome to produce the dizzying variety of proteins that some believe is necessary to produce beings as complex as humans. Alternative splicing--the post-transcriptional editing process that can result in various mRNAs--was previously seen as an interesting but relatively uncommon sidesh

p53 is possibly the most important protein for maintaining cellular function. Losing it is synonymous with cancer.

Noncoding RNAs are proving to be critical players in the evolution of brain anatomy and cognitive complexity.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, which help translate the genetic code into protein, also function in angiogenesis, fat metabolism, and more.

In pondering genome structure and function, evolutionary geneticist Laurence Hurst has arrived at some unanticipated conclusions about how natural selection has molded our DNA.

Researchers aim to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which a single genotype gives rise to diverse castes in eusocial organisms.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Biomedical innovation has rallied to address that pressing concern while continuing to tackle broader research challenges.

It may be humbling to think that humans have much in common with pufferfish, but at the genome level, the two are practically kissing cousins. "In terms of gene complement, we are at least 90% similar—probably higher. There are big differences in gene expression levels and alternate transcripts, but if you're talking about diversity, number and types of proteins, then it's pretty difficult to tell us apart," says Greg Elgar, group leader of the Fugu genome project at the Medical Research C

The Human Genome: RNA Machine Contrary to current dogma, most of the genome may be functional. John S. Mattick Related Articles 1 The idea of "junk DNA" is also based on the assumption that most genetic information is transacted via proteins, an assumption that dates back half a century to a time when the pioneers of molecular biology were studying bacteria, wherein most genes do indeed encode proteins. By contrast, protein coding sequences occupy only ~1.2% of the