Synopsis
Researchers at RGCB have discovered a significant link between mRNA processing and oxidative stress response, impacting the development of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. This study emphasizes the importance of managing oxidative stress for cellular health.Key Takeaways
- Oxidative stress is linked to various diseases.
- Research highlights the role of mRNA processing.
- Antioxidant protein production increases during oxidative stress.
- Control of oxidative stress is vital for health.
- New findings suggest therapeutic approaches to mitigate oxidative stress.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 10 (IANS) In a revolutionary finding, scientists at the RGCB-National Institute, operating under the Ministry of Science & Technology (Department of Biotechnology), have unveiled the connection between mRNA processing and the oxidative stress response. This condition plays a pivotal role in the development of numerous diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the aging process.
Oxidative stress, particularly in cardiac tissues, is crucial in various medical conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, hypoxia, ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, and hypertrophy (the excessive growth of a part or organ).
The research team at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), led by Dr. Rakesh S. Laishram (Scientist), Dr. Feba Shaji, and Dr. Jamshaid Ali, observed that during oxidative stress, when the production of reactive oxidative species exceeds the cell's capacity to neutralize them, there is an increase in the production of antioxidant proteins through enhanced fidelity of RNA processing.
This significant research is documented in the esteemed Redox Biology journal. Dr. Laishram emphasized that managing oxidative stress is essential for maintaining cellular health and preventing various human diseases.
“A primary method by which cells regulate oxidative stress is by modulating gene expression through alterations in DNA, RNA, or proteins within the cell. This highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting cleavage precision in RNA to alleviate oxidative stress responses and related diseases,” stated Dr. Laishram.
Commending this research paper, RGCB Director Dr. Chandrabhas Narayana remarked that it represents a vital study that will aid in understanding the crucial role of antioxidants in the pathogenesis and progression of diseases.
The RGCB study has finally clarified that the heterogeneity is influenced by the fidelity cleavage complex, which cleaves at the primary cleavage site during oxidative stress.
This work stands as the first example demonstrating the biological significance of cleavage imprecision or heterogeneity in regulating gene expression.
This research unveils a new cleavage imprecision-mediated antioxidant response that is distinct from other oxidative stress pathways.
These findings will have significant implications for understanding disease pathogenesis, encompassing cardiovascular issues, cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, aging, and diabetes, where the antioxidant response is critical.
