SEISMICgraph: a web-based tool for RNA structure data visualization.

In recent years, RNA has been increasingly recognized for its essential roles in biology, functioning not only as a carrier of genetic information but also as a dynamic regulator of gene expression through its interactions with other RNAs, proteins, and itself. Advances in chemical probing techniques have significantly enhanced our ability to identify RNA secondary structures and understand their regulatory roles. These developments, alongside improvements in experimental design and data processing, have greatly increased the resolution and throughput of structural analyses.

A DNA intercalating dye-based RT-qPCR alternative to diagnose SARS-CoV-2.

Early detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been proven crucial during the efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several diagnostic methods have emerged in the past few months, each with different shortcomings and limitations. The current gold standard, RT-qPCR using fluorescent probes, relies on demanding equipment requirements plus the high costs of the probes and specific reaction mixes.

Target RNAs Strike Back on MicroRNAs.

MicroRNAs are extensively studied regulatory non-coding small RNAs that silence animal genes throughout most biological processes, typically doing so by binding to partially complementary sequences within target RNAs. A plethora of studies has described detailed mechanisms for microRNA biogenesis and function, as well as their temporal and spatial regulation during development. By inducing translational repression and/or degradation of their target RNAs, microRNAs can contribute to achieve highly specific cell- or tissue-specific gene expression, while their aberrant expression can lead to disease.

Conformational plasticity of the intrinsically disordered protein ASR1 modulates its function as a drought stress-responsive gene.

Plants in arid zones are constantly exposed to drought stress. The ASR protein family (Abscisic, Stress, Ripening) -a subgroup of the late embryogenesis abundant superfamily- is involved in the water stress response and adaptation to dry environments. Tomato ASR1, as well as other members of this family, is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) that functions as a transcription factor and a chaperone.