RNA Biochemistry and Biotechnology describes various aspects of nucleic acid and protein structure, mainly RNA structure and proteins, interacting with specific RNA species. Papers deal with DNA protein interactions, telomerase, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, elongation factor Tu, DNA repair, RNA structure, NMR technology, RNA aptamer interaction of biological macromolecules with metal ions. Two papers deal with theoretical aspects of RNA structure production and computer modelling. Many papers describe the possibility of commercial application of RNA biotechnology. One article discusses the impact of direct democracy on basic science supporting biotechnology. Readership: Advanced graduate students, Ph.D. students and young scientists as well as specialists in the field.

This publication summarizes the current status of our understanding of RNA, with particular emphasis on the chemistry of this key biological molecule. The various RNAs covered are messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA and RNA enzymes (ribozymes). The different chapters detail biophysical and chemical methods to investigate RNA structure and function, the synthesis of native and modified RNAs and the latest advances in our understanding of the vast array of biological processes in which RNA is involved.

The central role of RNA in many cellular processes, in biotechnology, and as pharmaceutical agents, has created an interest in experimental methods applied to RNA molecules. This book provides scientists with a comprehensive collection of thoroughly tested up-to-date manuals for investigating RNA-protein complexes in vitro. The protocols can be performed by researchers trained in standard molecular biological techniques and require a minimum of specialized equipment. The procedures include recommendation of suppliers of reagents.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules which are not translated into proteins. They are classified into two types based on their length, including short non-coding RNAs comprising microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). They play a role in gene regulation at various levels, ranging from epigenetic gene silencing to post-transcriptional modulation of mRNA stability. The ncRNAs contribute in the regulation of cell physiology and shape cellular functions. They play an important role in brain development and function, and are also associated with the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. Several ncRNAs including circRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs have been implicated in regulatory functions. Furthermore, they are believed to play a role in Alzheimer's disease and cancer. This book explores all the important aspects of the biochemistry of RNA. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of this topic.

RNA plays a central, and until recently, somewhat underestimated role in the genetics underlying all forms of life on earth. This versatile molecule not only plays a crucial part in the synthesis of proteins from a DNA template, but is also intrinsically involved in the regulation of gene expression, and in catalysis.This landmark text provides a systematic overview of the exciting and rapidly moving field of RNA biology. For the secondedition of Molecular Biology of RNA more introductory material has been incorporated at the beginning of the text, while new material has been included throughout - particularly in relation to RNA bindingdomains, non-coding RNAs, and the connection between RNA biology and epigenetics. Finally, a new closing chapter discusses how exciting new technologies are being used to explore current topical areas of research.

RNA molecules play key roles in all aspects of cellular life, but to do so efficiently, they must work in synergism with proteins. This book addresses how proteins and RNA interact to carry out biological functions such as protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, genome defense, liquid phase separation and more. The topics addressed in this volume will appeal to researchers in biophysics, biochemistry and structural biology. The book is a useful resource for anybody interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms and discrete properties of RNA-protein complexes. Included are reviews of key systems such as microRNA and CRISPR/Cas that exemplify how RNA and proteins work together to perform their biological function. Also covered are techniques ranging from single molecule fluorescence and force spectroscopy to crystallography, cryo-EM microscopy, and kinetic modeling.

The 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to the discoverers of RNA interference, Andrew Fire and Craig Mello. This prize, which follows “RNA” Nobels for splicing and RNA catalysis, highlights just one class of recently discovered non-protein coding RNAs. Remarkably, non-coding RNAs are thought to outnumber protein coding genes in mammals by perhaps as much as four-fold. In fact, it appears that the complexity of an organism correlates with the fraction of its genome devoted to non-protein coding RNAs. Essential biological processes as diverse as cell differentiation, suppression of infecting viruses and parasitic tra- posons, higher-level organization of eukaryotic chromosomes, and gene expression are found to be largely directed by non-protein coding RNAs. Currently, bioinformatic, high-throughput sequencing, and biochemical approaches are identifying an increasing number of these RNAs. Unfortunately, our ability to characterize the molecular details of these RNAs is significantly lacking. The biophysical study of these RNAs is an emergent field that is unraveling the molecular underpinnings of how RNA fulfills its multitude of roles in sustaining cellular life. The resulting understanding of the physical and chemical processes at the molecular level is critical to our ability to harness RNA for use in biotechnology and human therapy, a prospect that has recently spawned a multi-billion dollar industry.

The structure, function and reactions of nucleic acids are central to molecular biology and medicine and are crucial for understanding of the ever-expanding range of complex biological processes involved which are central to life. Revised, extended, updated and lavishly illustrated, this 4th Edition of Nucleic Acids in Chemistry and Biology is a long-awaited standard text for teaching and research in nucleic acids science. It maintains the close integration of chemistry and biology that characterised the earlier editions and contains a major expansion largely focused on the burgeoning growth of RNA science. Written by an international team of leading experts, all with extensive teaching experience, this 4th Edition provides up-to-date and extended coverage of the reactions and interactions of RNA and DNA with proteins and drugs. A brief history of the discovery of nucleic acids is followed by a molecule-based introduction to the structure and biological roles of DNA and RNA and the basics of Genes and Genomes. New key chapters are devoted to non-coding RNA, nucleic acids sequencing, nucleic acid therapeutics, in vitro evolution and aptamers, and protein-RNA interactions. The text is linked to an extensive list of references to make it a definitive reference source. This authoritative volume presents topics in an integrated manner and readable style with full colour illustrations throughout. It is ideal for graduate and undergraduate students of chemistry and biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology, and molecular biology and medicine. It will be a guidebook for new researchers to the field of nucleic acids science.