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Proteins are the molecular machines of the cell. They transport materials, cleave products or transmit signals -- and for a long time, they have been a main focus of attention in molecular biology research. In the last two decades, however, another class of critically important molecules has emerged: small RNA molecules, including micro-RNAs. It is now well established that micro-RNAs play a key role in the regulation of cell function. "A micro-RNA regulates the production of an estimated 300-400 proteins. Researchers have found a way of blocking a molecule in the brain, which is more prevalent in patients with Alzheimer’s. When the miR-34c molecule is blocked memory is restored. miRNA 34c was identified using a highly complex method called "massive parallel sequencing." With this technology, Fischer and his colleagues captured the complete RNA composition in the hippocampus -- the learning region of the brain -- and compared this with the RNA of the entire brain. They showed that miRNA 34c is enriched in the hippocampus, especially in during the time window of a few hours after a learning phase. "We suspect that the function of micro-RNA 34c is to switch off a whole range of gene products that are turned on in the learning process," Fischer said. Too much miRNA 34c would then lead to a blockade of learning -- which is exactly what was shown in subsequent experiments. Continue to read: sciencedaily.com
Barley by-products boost pasta's functional claims
A new genre of pasta made with barley by-products, may mean that spaghetti can soon claim it is a ‘good source of dietary fibre’ and ‘may reduce the risk of heart disease’, say researchers. Read more: nutraingredients.com