For the first time, the research team led by Associate Professor Nguyen Tuan Anh discovered the mechanism of RNA microstrand synthesis, helping to open up research directions in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and neurological disorders.
The research was conducted by Vietnamese scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), making an important step forward in the field of molecular biology when discovering a non-classical mechanism of the microprocessor complex in the synthesis of microRNA (miRNA). This is a new molecular biological mechanism of the microprocessor complex in the synthesis of microRNA, never discovered before.
The discovery opens up the possibility of developing and applying intervention methods such as gene therapy and treating diseases related to RNA microstrands, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. The work was published in the journal Molecular Cell in early June.
Associate Professor Nguyen Tuan Anh (front row, third from left) and the Vietnamese research team at the HKUST laboratory. Photo: Research team
Associate Professor Nguyen Tuan Anh, head of the research team, said that RNA microstrands are small molecules that play an important role in regulating gene expression. Errors in RNA microstrands can cause many diseases in humans. Scientists have been trying to find answers for the past 20 years, but have only partially succeeded.
In this study, the team used next-generation DNA sequencing technology to collect billions of sequences. Then, they applied mathematical models and used different bioinformatics methods to find the most suitable biological model.
As a result, the discovery of a new molecular biological mechanism of the microprocessor complex in RNA microstrand synthesis could open up opportunities for the development of interventional therapies, such as gene therapy, for the treatment of diseases related to RNA microstrands, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. "Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies can also apply the results of this study to search for new drug targets and develop new therapies for diseases related to RNA microstrands," said Associate Professor Tuan Anh.
Associate Professor Nguyen Tuan Anh next to the DNA model. Photo: NVCC
Professor Ting Xie, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said that the work of Associate Professor Tuan Anh and his colleagues has solved one of the most difficult and important problems in the field of RNA microfilament biology. Failures in the process of RNA microfilament biosynthesis can lead to disorders in cell metabolism and various diseases. "The discovery of the non-standard RNA microfilament biosynthesis mechanism not only provides new insights into the mechanism of RNA microfilament biosynthesis, but also paves the way for RNA microfilament regulation to treat many human diseases," said Professor Ting Xie.
The research team will continue to rely on this discovery to design artificial RNA microstrand precursors for use in gene regulation technology. "That is, when these precursors are introduced into cells, they will produce a designed RNA microstrand, helping to increase or decrease (regulate) the expression of a target gene," said Associate Professor Tuan Anh.
Associate Professor Tuan Anh said that before going abroad, the group members had studied at the University of Natural Sciences, Hanoi National University, and Hanoi University of Pharmacy. According to him, Vietnamese bachelors or engineers are fully capable of going further in the fields of science and technology. "Especially when given the opportunity to do research, combined with their inherent passion, Vietnamese scientists are fully capable of conducting in-depth research of international stature," he said, adding that they are very willing to cooperate and share knowledge within the scientific community.
Nhu Quynh
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