Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). Often described as the blueprint and the messengers of life, these nucleic acids are far more than just biological curiosities. They are central players in determining our traits, orchestrating cellular functions, and unfortunately, sometimes underlying disease. Understanding their roles is fundamental to understanding human health, diagnosing illnesses, and developing groundbreaking treatments.
DNA and RNA are crucial for life and health. From dictating our inherited traits and directing the daily operations of our cells to being implicated in numerous diseases, their influence is pervasive. Continued research into the complex worlds of DNA and RNA not only deepens our understanding of biology but also fuels the development of revolutionary diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, paving the way for improved health outcomes.
Cutting-edge research from The University of Western Australia (UWA) is revealing the complex interplay between proteins, DNA, and RNA — the essential molecules that drive cellular functions and sustain every form of life, from plants as well as humans to bacteria.
A research team led by Professor Charlie Bond from UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences has played a key role in three separate studies published in the prestigious journal Nucleic Acids Research. These studies have demonstrated never-before-seen 3D models showing how protein-based molecular machines join togehter on DNA or RNA strands.
Professor Bond stated that they are essentially observing the inner workings of life at the molecular scale.
“By visualising how these complex structures assemble and function, we’re opening doors to entirely new approaches in diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.”
The initial study, conducted by postdoctoral researcher Nicholas Marzano from the University of Wollongong alongside UWA scientist Brady Johnston, found that a class of tiny, spiral-shaped plant proteins called PPR proteins function like tiny springs, compressing upon binding to RNA molecules.
Dr Marzano indicated that this spring-like mechanism enables highly accurate molecular recognition inside cells and could pave the way for novel RNA-based diagnostic techniques, as well as strategies to correct genetic conditions or engineer new traits in plants.
In a second study, PhD candidate Heidar Koning and ARC DECRA fellow Andrew Marshall from UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences, in collaboration with researchers from Monash University and the University of Melbourne, revealed how human proteins NONO and SFPQ form complex assemblies that control gene function within the nucleus.
Mr Koning indicated that these discoveries are key to designing precise methods for managing gene expression in both normal biology and disease.
The recent study, spearheaded by Curtin University Research Fellow Dr. Callum Verdonk in partnership with Professor Bond and Assistant Professor Josh Ramsay, revealed that a DNA-binding protein called RdfS assembles into helical, spiral-shaped structures that control the movement of DNA between agricultural bacteria.
“DNA is literally cut out of one bacterium’s genome and transferred over to another with the help of RdfS protein,” added Dr Verdonk. “The bacteria can form a symbiosis with plants and are used as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertiliser.”
The research was made possible thanks to advanced scientific infrastructure, such as the University of Western Australia’s Protein Production and Structure Facility and Integrated Crystallisation Facility, the University of Wollongong’s Biomolecular Horizons Institute, and the Macromolecular Crystallography and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron, managed by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation in Victoria.
Professor Bond noted that the team is now working to build on these molecular discoveries with the aim of creating innovative tools that could revolutionise biotechnology and advance precision medicine in the years ahead.
Understanding an individual’s unique DNA sequence allows for personalized medicine approaches. This includes identifying genetic predispositions to diseases, predicting how a person might respond to certain medications (pharmacogenomics), and tailoring preventative strategies.
