Fluorogenic CRISPR for genomic DNA imaging.

Genomic DNA exhibits high heterogeneity in terms of its dynamic within the nucleus, its structure and functional roles. CRISPR-based imaging approaches can image genomic loci in living cells. However, conventional CRISPR-based tools involve expressing constitutively fluorescent proteins, resulting in high background and nonspecific nucleolar signal.

Genetically encoded RNA-based sensors with Pepper fluorogenic aptamer.

Sensors to measure the abundance and signaling of intracellular molecules are crucial for understanding their physiological functions. Although conventional fluorescent protein-based sensors have been designed, RNA-based sensors are promising imaging tools. Numerous RNA-based sensors have been developed.

Transcriptional memory of gene expression across generations participates in transgenerational plasticity of field pennycress in response to cadmium stress.

Transgenerational plasticity (TGP) occurs when maternal environments influence the expression of traits in offspring, and in some cases may increase fitness of offspring and have evolutionary significance. However, little is known about the extent of maternal environment influence on gene expression of offspring, and its relationship with trait variations across generations. In this study, we examined TGP in the traits and gene expression of field pennycress () in response to cadmium (Cd) stress.

A element contributes to the nuclear retention and transcriptional regulation of the resident lncRNA in locusts.

The majority of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contain transposable elements (TEs). , a nuclear-retained lncRNA that is inserted by a retrotransposon, has been shown to be a vital regulator of phenylalanine hydroxylase () gene expression that controls dopamine biosynthesis and behavioural aggregation in the migratory locust. However, the role of the retrotransposon in the transcriptional regulation of remains unknown.

Long noncoding RNA PAHAL modulates locust behavioural plasticity through the feedback regulation of dopamine biosynthesis.

Some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are specifically expressed in brain cells, implying their neural and behavioural functions. However, how lncRNAs contribute to neural regulatory networks governing the precise behaviour of animals is less explored. Here, we report the regulatory mechanism of the nuclear-enriched lncRNA PAHAL for dopamine biosynthesis and behavioural adjustment in migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria), a species with extreme behavioral plasticity.

Structural insight into RNA synthesis by influenza D polymerase.

The influenza virus polymerase uses capped RNA primers to initiate transcription, and a combination of terminal and internal de novo initiations for the two-step replication process by binding the conserved viral genomic RNA (vRNA) or complementary RNA (cRNA) promoter. Here, we determined the apo and promoter-bound influenza D polymerase structures using cryo-electron microscopy and found the polymerase has an evolutionarily conserved stable core structure with inherently flexible peripheral domains. Strikingly, two conformations (mode A and B) of the vRNA promoter were observed where the 3'-vRNA end can bind at two different sites, whereas the cRNA promoter only binds in the mode B conformation.