A research team from the University of Groningen has identified hundreds of regulatory RNA switches that control gene activity in both E. coli bacteria and human cells. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature Biotechnology on July 25, 2025, reveals how RNA molecules can switch between different structures, effectively modulating their capacity to produce proteins.
The study, led by molecular biologist Danny Incarnato and authored by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Ivana Borovska, builds on years of research into RNA’s complex behavior. Incarnato previously developed a method to map the various shapes that RNA can adopt within living cells, allowing for a deeper understanding of its regulatory functions. He explains, “The ability of RNA to switch between alternative structures usually implies some sort of regulation, similar to an ON-OFF switch.”
Using this innovative technique, the research team explored the intricate details of RNA structures in living cells. They also created a new tool that utilizes evolutionary data to accurately identify functional RNA structural switches. This approach led to the discovery of numerous switches, including one that enables bacteria to respond to cold stress by changing its structure in reaction to temperature fluctuations.
The implications of this research extend beyond basic biology. Incarnato emphasizes that identifying a significant number of these switches is merely the first step. “The next step is to find ways to influence their functioning,” he stated. The potential exists for designing small molecules that could modulate these switches, paving the way for novel treatments for various diseases.
This comprehensive study, which took more than three years to complete, reflects six years of foundational research into the detection of 2D RNA shapes. Incarnato regards this advancement as revolutionary, noting that it addresses long-standing questions within the field of molecular biology.
The findings from this research signal a new era in understanding how RNA regulates gene activity. With hundreds of switches now identified, the path forward involves exploring their functional roles and potential applications in medicine.
For further details, refer to the study titled “Identification of conserved RNA regulatory switches in living cells using RNA secondary structure ensemble mapping and covariation analysis” published in Nature Biotechnology.
