snoRNAWIKIMEDIA COMMONS, TTD61300
Small nucleolar RNA molecules kill cells exposed to too much fat, according to a paper publishing in the July 6th issue of Cell Metabolism. The finding suggests a new role for the RNA molecules, which are known to modify ribosome function, and provides a potential new target for metabolic diseases and complications from diabetes.
"This is a very intriguing observation," said Barsanjit Mazumder who studies ribosomal modifications at Cleveland State University and was not involved in the research. If confirmed, it would be the first time these RNAs are implicated in metabolic disease.
Even after blood sugar has been appropriately regulated, diabetic patients often suffer from complications, such as heart failure, renal dysfunction and a reduction in the number of B cells in the immune ...
