Sidra Jabeenabout 4 years ago

Researchers discover a new diet-dependent mechanism for regulating RNA maturation

RNA—but also DNA molecules—can undergo a chemical modification: methylation. This consists of adding a methyl group (CH3), which modifies the fate of these molecules without altering their sequence. Deposited on the RNA or DNA in very specific places like Post-Its, methyl groups indicate to the cell that a particular fate must be given to these molecules. Methylation of RNA is essential: mice without RNA methylation die at an early embryonic stage.