Researchers discover 'Marie Kondo' protein which aids in organizing
fruit fly embryos
Process of 'cleaning up' embryo happens thanks to 'Kondo' enzyme, which removes maternal proteins
Date:
July 28, 2020
Source:
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a protein in fruit fly embryos dubbed
Marie Kondo, that destroys maternal proteins. Much like namesake,
author and clutter consultant Marie Kondo, this gene removes
unnecessary molecules, keeping embryos organized.
FULL STORY ========================================================================== Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have
discovered a protein in fruit fly embryos, dubbed Marie Kondo, that
destroys maternal proteins. Much like namesake, author and clutter
consultant Marie Kondo, this gene removes unnecessary molecules, keeping embryos organized.
========================================================================== Fertilized egg cells are loaded with maternal molecules that control the earliest steps of embryonic development. A critical stage of development
is when the embryo destroys these inherited molecules and begins to make
its own.
These molecules include proteins and messenger RNAs (which encode
instructions for making proteins). Existing research had identified how messenger RNAs are destroyed, but how maternal proteins are discarded,
however, has been unknown.
According to the study, published in the journal eLife, researchers
discovered the presence of the Marie Kondo protein by screening ~150
possible enzymes using a trick where destruction of maternal proteins
could be seen with fluorescent microscopy. After months of work, they identified the enzyme and gave it the name "Marie Kondo." "Ordinarily,
when we talk about getting rid of maternal gene products, we tend to
focus on mRNA, or the coded information for making a protein," says
Olivia Rissland, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular
genetics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and study
co-author. "However, we don't often talk about destruction of the
proteins themselves. One implication of our study is that, during
early stages of development, destruction of maternal proteins might
be more tightly controlled than we had thought." Rissland says this
discovery opens the door to more research into embryonic protein
destruction. "The reason why we started looking at these proteins is
because they control RNA. Now, we want to see what other proteins are
destroyed and how protein destruction affects early development, not
just in fruit flies, but in other animals too." Further information:
https://elifesciences.org/digests/53889/an-enzyme-that- sparks-joy
========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Colorado_Anschutz_Medical_Campus. Original written by
Kelsea Pieters. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
==========================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200728182549.htm
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