Gene Editing and CRISPR Developments

RNA molecules that do not code for proteins, but have various roles in cellular functions.

ncRNAs bind to other molecules like small molecules, DNA, RNA, and proteins.

ncRNAs have diverse functions including scaffolding, guiding molecules, altering protein structure/function, possessing catalytic activity, blocking pathways, and acting as decoys.

An RNA molecule that directs a DNA cutting protein to specific location in DNA.

Cutting DNA by RNA-guided proteins to prevent a gene from creating a protein.

A catalytic RNA molecule that can cut or modify other RNA molecules or DNA.

messenger RNA; RNA that carries the genetic instructions for making proteins from the DNA.

In a typical human cell, 80% of RNA transcription involves non-coding RNAs.

ncRNA binds to multiple components (like proteins), forming a complex.

ncRNA directs a molecule (like protein) to a specific cell location.

ncRNA binding can change protein activity or how long it exists.

ncRNA with catalytic function (like in ribosomes).

ncRNA physically prevents a cellular process (e.g., translation).

ncRNAs bind DNA/RNA through complementary base pairing.

ncRNAs can bind/scaffold proteins or be a site for small molecule binding.

ncRNA binds to & sequesters other ncRNAs, preventing their activity.

The process of adding DNA to the ends of chromosomes, preventing their shortening during DNA replication.

An enzyme that adds DNA to telomeres, using its RNA component as a template.

The RNA component of telomerase, acting as a guide and template for DNA addition.

A non-coding RNA that binds to proteins and guides them to specific genes, silencing their expression.

How the structure of DNA and its associated proteins affects gene expression.

RNA molecules with two strands (like a ladder) that are more potent at inhibiting mRNA than single-stranded RNA.

Short, double-stranded RNA molecules that specifically target and degrade mRNA, stopping protein production.

Short, single-stranded RNA molecules that bind to mRNA, preventing its translation into protein.

Telomeres get shorter with each cell division, eventually limiting cell division and leading to cell death.

DNA polymerase cannot fully replicate the ends of chromosomes, leaving them shorter with each replication cycle.

Telomerase adds repeating DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes, compensating for the shortening caused by DNA polymerase.

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) plays a crucial role in telomere length regulation, guiding telomerase to the ends of chromosomes.

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules act as guides for telomerase, ensuring it adds DNA sequences to the correct location (telomeres) on the chromosomes.

Telomeres protect chromosomes from degradation and prevent them from fusing with other chromosomes. They also regulate cell division and lifespan.

A process where small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) like microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) regulate gene expression by targeting mRNA for degradation or blocking its translation.

A protein complex in eukaryotic cells involved in RNA interference. It binds to either miRNAs or siRNAs, leading to either mRNA degradation or translation inhibition.

A complex of proteins and a small ncRNA that recognizes and binds to signal sequences on newly synthesized proteins, targeting them to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

The RNA component of SRP plays a critical role in binding the signal sequence and interacting with the SRP receptor on the ER membrane, ensuring proper protein targeting.

SRP-mediated targeting of proteins to the ER ensures that proteins destined for secretion or membrane localization reach their correct destination.

A protein complex located on the ER membrane that binds to SRP, facilitating the docking of ribosomes and the translocation of newly synthesized proteins into the ER lumen.

A bacterial defense mechanism against bacteriophages and transposons. It involves a gene called Crispr, tracrRNA ncRNA, and Cas proteins.

This phase occurs after a bacteriophage infection. Cas1 and Cas2 proteins recognize and cleave the bacteriophage DNA. A piece of the phage DNA (spacer) is then inserted into the Crispr gene.

This phase involves transcribing the Crispr, tracrRNA, and Cas9 genes. The tracrRNA binds to the pre-crRNA, which gets cleaved into small crRNAs. The complex of tracrRNA, crRNA, and Cas9 protein forms.

This phase involves using the tracrRNA-crRNA-Cas9 complex to destroy the bacteriophage DNA. Each spacer is complementary to a specific part of the phage DNA, guiding the complex to the target.

A non-coding RNA (ncRNA) involved in the CRISPR-Cas system. It is complementary to the repeat sequences of the pre-crRNA and acts as a guide for the Cas9 protein.

A protein in the CRISPR-Cas system that binds to the tracrRNA-crRNA complex. It acts as a DNA-cutting enzyme, using the crRNA as a guide to target and destroy specific phage DNA sequences.

A short DNA sequence derived from bacteriophage DNA and inserted into the Crispr gene during the adaptation phase. It acts as a unique identifier for a specific phage.

A small non-coding RNA produced from the Crispr locus in the expression phase. It is complementary to a specific phage DNA sequence and guides the Cas9 protein to target and destroy the invader.

It provides bacteria with a powerful defense mechanism against bacteriophages. The ability to adapt and remember past infections makes the CRISPR-Cas system very effective.