RNA editing protein ADAR1 protects telomeres and supports proliferation in cancer cells

Scientists at The Wistar Institute identified a new function of ADAR1, a protein responsible for RNA editing, discovering that the ADAR1p110 isoform regulates genome stability at chromosome ends and is required for continued proliferation of cancer cells. These findings, reported in Nature Communications, reveal an additional oncogenic function of ADAR1 and reaffirm its potential as […]

Neuroinvasiveness of SARS-CoV-2 shown by viral RNA and inflammation in the brain

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed well over 2.4 million lives, but its long-term sequelae are still being identified. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produces an infection that may be associated with a wide spectrum of disease, from asymptomatic to critical or terminal respiratory failure or multi-organ dysfunction. A new […]

Could a SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein be responsible for certain COVID-19 symptoms?

Some people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develop symptoms, while others do not. In high-risk populations, like the elderly and those with underlying health issues, may experience more severe symptoms. A new study by researchers at the Université de Lyon, France, noted that some COVID-19 symptoms like heart arrhythmias, loss of smell, gastrointestinal problem, and […]

New COVID-19 RNA test gives accurate results within minutes

University of Birmingham researchers have invented a COVID-19 test that reduces testing time from 30 minutes to under five, and delivers accurate results. The method is described in a preprint paper (yet to be peer-reviewed) published on MedRxiv, where the researchers also demonstrate the rapidity and sensitivity of their method using patient sample RNA provided […]

Circular RNA molecule not found in cancer cells after all

A new research result from Aarhus University shows that a so-called circular RNA molecule, which has been designated as carcinogenic, is actually not found in cancer cells. The results have just been published in Nature Communications. In a major surprise, researchers from Aarhus University have discovered that an otherwise extensively studied carcinogenic RNA molecule is […]

No SARS-CoV-2 RNA seen on surfaces in radiation oncology clinic

Testing of environmental surfaces in the radiation oncology clinic in a tertiary care COVID-19 referral center revealed no detectable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA, according to a research letter published online Aug. 27 in JAMA Oncology. Imraan Jan, D.O., from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and colleagues conducted a quality […]