A Ribozyme’s Unstable Fold Governs Its Cellular Fate
Research published in the Journal of Molecular Biology reveals a critical link between RNA structure and cellular turnover. The study investigates the *Bacillus subtilis glmS* ribozyme, a catalytic RNA that regulates its own expression. The key finding is that this ribozyme adopts a metastable, or transiently stable, folded conformation. This specific structural state directly influences the molecule’s susceptibility to degradation by the cellular ribonuclease RNase J1. The work provides a mechanistic model where the dynamic folding landscape of an RNA molecule acts as a regulatory switch, controlling its stability and, consequently, gene expression levels through post-transcriptional regulation.
Why it might matter to you: This work offers a fresh perspective on gene expression regulation, moving beyond sequence to emphasize the functional role of RNA structural dynamics. For cell biologists focused on post-transcriptional control, protein folding, or degradation pathways, it demonstrates how a molecule’s conformational instability can be a programmed feature for cellular regulation. Understanding such mechanisms could inform strategies for manipulating RNA stability in research or therapeutic contexts, connecting fundamental biophysics with core cellular processes.
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