"A Subject Collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology."

Recent studies in human genetics and in silico analyses have revealed that a number of genes are head-head orientated with other genes or non-coding RNAs. The expression of regulatory element-containing 5'-upstream regions of gene pairs are referred to as bi-directional promoters and are thought to have a key role in biological regulatory mechanisms. For example, tumor suppressor protein-encoding TP53 and BRCA1 genes are head-head bound with WRAP53 and NBR2, respectively. DNA-repair factor-encoding ATM and PRKDC (DNA-PKcs) genes have bidirectional partner NPAT and MCM4, respectively. Surveillance of the human DNA database has revealed that the numbers of DNA repair/mitochondrial function/immune response-associated genes are bound with other genes that are transcribed to opposite direction. The observations may encourage us to investigate in the molecular mechanisms how DNA repair/mitochondrial function/immune response-associated genes are regulated by bidirectional promoters. Not only protein-coding genes, but also quite a few ncRNAs, which play important roles in various cellular events, are transcribed under the regulation of the bidirectional promoters. More importantly, we know that dysregulation in the promoter activity and transcription initiation of genes might cause human diseases. - Provides an overview of the process of transcription - Explains why there so many bidirectional promoters present in human genomes - Covers how the diverse biological functions of (non-coding RNAs) ncRNAs are controlled

This Open Access volume provides comprehensive reviews and describes the latest techniques to study eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis. For more than 50 years ribosomes are a major research topic. Our knowledge about ribosome biogenesis and function such as transcription, mRNA modification, and translation was the sine qua non for developing the powerful RNA-based vaccines against RNA-viruses causing the world-threatening Covid-19 pandemia. The chapters in this book are organized into six parts. Part One discusses a comparative survey about the unity and diversity of ribosome biogenesis in pro- and eukaryotic cells. Part Two deals with the genomic organization of eukaryotic rDNA and the role of RNA polymerase I in ribosomal RNA transcription. Part Three explores in vitro methods to study RNA polymerase I structure and its function, and Part Four analyzes the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of assembled ribosomes and RNP complexes. Part Five covers modifications that increase the complexity of rRNAs, and Part Six provides readers with a review of eukaryotic translation and - for the first time - describes a new method to analyze translation in vitro. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Ribosome Biogenesis: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers interested in learning more about the increasing importance of in vitro RNA-technologies.

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 can even act as a catalyst in the form of a ribozyme. This latter property has led to the hypothesis that RNA - rather than DNA - could have played an essential part in the origin of life itself. This landmark text provides a systematic overview of the exciting and rapidly moving field of RNA biology. Key pioneering experiments, which provided the underlying evidence for what we now know, are described throughout, while the relevance of the subject to human disease is highlighted via frequent boxes. For the second edition of Molecular Biology of RNA, more introductory material has been incorporated at the beginning of the text, to aid students studying the subject for the first time. Throughout the text, new material has been included - particularly in relation to RNA binding domains, 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.

Behavior and Culture in One Dimension adopts a broad interdisciplinary approach, presenting a unified theory of sequences and their functions and an overview of how they underpin the evolution of complexity. Sequences of DNA guide the functioning of the living world, sequences of speech and writing choreograph the intricacies of human culture, and sequences of code oversee the operation of our literate technological civilization. These linear patterns function under their own rules, which have never been fully explored. It is time for them to get their due. This book explores the one-dimensional sequences that orchestrate the structure and behavior of our three-dimensional habitat. Using Gibsonian concepts of perception, action, and affordances, as well as the works of Howard Pattee, the book examines the role of sequences in the human behavioral and cultural world of speech, writing, and mathematics. The book offers a Darwinian framework for understanding human cultural evolution and locates the two major informational transitions in the origins of life and civilization. It will be of interest to students and researchers in ecological psychology, linguistics, cognitive science, and the social and biological sciences.

A game-changing book on the origins of life, called the most important scientific discovery 'since the Copernican revolution' in The Observer.

This laboratory guide represents a growing collection of tried, tested and optimized laboratory protocols for the isolation and characterization of eukaryotic RNA, with lesser emphasis on the characterization of prokaryotic transcripts. Collectively the chapters work together to embellish the RNA story, each presenting clear take-home lessons, liberally incorporating flow charts, tables and graphs to facilitate learning and assist in the planning and implementation phases of a project.RNA Methodologies, 3rd edition includes approximately 30% new material, including chapters on the more recent technologies of RNA interference including: RNAi; Microarrays; Bioinformatics. It also includes new sections on: new and improved RT-PCR techniques; innovative 5' and 3' RACE techniques; subtractive PCR methods; methods for improving cDNA synthesis.* Author is a well-recognized expert in the field of RNA experimentation and founded Exon-Intron, a well-known biotechnology educational workshop center * Includes classic and contemporary techniques * Incorporates flow charts, tables, and graphs to facilitate learning and assist in the planning phases of projects

A majority of evolutionary biologists believe that we now can envision our biological predecessors--not the first, but nearly the first, living beings on Earth. This book is about these vanished forebears. The era between the first rudimentary life on Earth and the appearance of more complex beings is called the RNA world. It is RNA (ribonucleic acid) long believed to be a mere biologic copier and messenger, that offers a glimpse into our ancient predecessors. To describe early RNA creatures, here called "ribocytes" or RNA cells, the author uses basics of molecular biology. He reviews our current understanding of the tree of life, examines the structure of RNA itself, explains the operation of the genetic code, and more. Courting controversy among those who question the role of ribocytes -- citing the chemical fragility of RNA and the uncertainty about the origin of an RNA synthetic apparatus -- he offers a vision of early life on Earth.

A Harvard biologist and master inventor explores how new biotechnologies will enable us to bring species back from the dead, unlock vast supplies of renewable energy, and extend human life. In Regenesis, George Church and science writer Ed Regis explore the possibilities of the emerging field of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology, in which living organisms are selectively altered by modifying substantial portions of their genomes, allows for the creation of entirely new species of organisms. These technologies-far from the out-of-control nightmare depicted in science fiction-have the power to improve human and animal health, increase our intelligence, enhance our memory, and even extend our life span. A breathtaking look at the potential of this world-changing technology, Regenesis is nothing less than a guide to the future of life.