'Superpowers' genetically alter ink

The researchers discovered that ink is the only organism that can modify genes outside of the nucleus of a neuron (neuron).

The long shore tidal squid is commonly used in biological research.(Photo: Phys.org).

Researchers Isabel C. Vallecillo-Viejo and Joshua Rosenthal at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Wood Hole, USA, found that ink self-correcting genetic instructions not only in the nucleus of the neuron but also in the axon , long and thin extensions are responsible for conducting electrical impulses to other neurons. This is the first time the team has observed the process of editing genetic information outside the nucleus of animal cells. They published their findings on March 23 in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. The finding provides evidence that shatters the central theory of molecular biology that genetic information passes from DNA to messenger RNA (mARN) to protein.

In 2015, Rosenthal and colleagues discovered that "modifying" instructions from mARN are to a large extent, allowing them to regulate the type of protein produced in the nervous system. "But at the time, we thought that all the RNA editing took place in the nucleus, then the edited mRNA was transferred to the cell," said Rosenthal, who led the research. "We can now point out RNA correction ink outside the cell range."

The team also demonstrated that mRNA is modified in the axon of a neuron at a much higher rate than in the nucleus. In humans, axonal disorders are associated with many neurological syndromes. The researchers hope the discovery will help biotechnology companies use human RNA editing for therapeutic benefits.

Previously, Rosenthal and colleagues pointed out that octopus and cuttlefish also rely on mRNA editing to diversify the neurons they can produce in the nervous system. Along with squid, these animals are famous for their intricate behavior and intelligence.

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