Freeze-frames of enzymes in action have implications for a new cancer treatment concept
Utilizing x-ray crystallography, Joshua-Tor's crew has captured the equal of freeze-frames of enzymes known as TUTases in two totally different modes. In a single mode (LEFT), the TUTase enzyme (consisting of pink and blue/inexperienced subunits surrounded by a dotted line) provides a single uridine ("U") nucleotide to a precursor of the micro RNA let-7 (purple and orange helix). The addition of a single "U" results in the manufacturing of a mature let-7 micro RNA, in flip supporting the method by which a stem cell differentiates right into a specialised cell. In its different mode (RIGHT) a TUTase enzyme associates with a protein known as Lin28, resulting in the addition of 30 "U"s to a let-7 precursor. This targets it for destruction - important for stem cells to retain their capability to proliferate indefinitely. The TUTases are potential targets in most cancers cells, which appear to accumulate the stem-like capability to prolifera...