Of the other nucleic acid

RNA

December 6, 1996

The central dogma of molecular biology holds that in modern organisms the principal flow of genetic information passes from the information store, DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid, to RNA, or ribonucleic acid, and is then translated into functional protein. The DNA beloved of columnists and science fiction writers is chemically relatively inert and, by and large, structurally monotonous, but nevertheless ideally suited for information storage and replication. By contrast RNA, which is probably less well known to popular audiences, is, by virtue of its chemistry, more reactive and structurally flexible. It does, however, share with DNA the ability to form complementary base-pairs.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s attention was focused on the role of RNA both as carrier of selected genetic information, as messenger RNA, and as providing the mechanism by which this information was decoded and translated into protein through the mediation of the adaptor or transfer-RNA. This enterprise was aided by the establishment of a group of interested researchers who shared their results and ideas on an informal basis. The membership of the RNA Tie Club, as it called itself, included many of the founding influences on molecular biology. But, with the elucidation of the principles of information flow, coupled with the technical problems of working with a chemically labile molecule, the main focus of the molecular biological enterprise shifted back to DNA. Nevertheless, even at this time there were tantalising observations that remained to be explained. If RNA were simply involved in information transfer why should it be a major component of ribosomes, the large macromolecular machines that translate the message RNA? Subsequently in the 1970s it became apparent that the lability of RNA is an essential facet of the biological role of RNA. In the nuclei of higher organisms the initial RNA copy of the DNA sequence was shown to be edited or "spliced" by the excision of regions that do not code for protein. More unexpected was the demonstration that RNA molecules need not act simply as passive information carriers or structural supports but can themselves act as enzymes - a role previously assumed to be the sole preserve of proteins. These properties provided powerful support for the hypothesis, first advanced in the 1960s, that RNA preceded the appearance of DNA in the evolution of life.

The impetus of the recent discoveries and the solution of the early technical problems have resulted in a second efflorescence of RNA studies spurring the formation three years ago of the RNA Society. The primary purpose of this society is to disseminate and share experimental data among researchers. These laudable aims have culminated in the launch of the journal RNA backed by an impressive array of editors and editorial board members.

The success of a journal of this type is often determined in the first year. A continuous influx of good papers is dependent on an established reputation, a willing band of potential contributors and a subject area sufficiently defined and productive. The membership of the society must constitute a rich source of contributors while there can be no doubt about the intellectual vitality and vigour of the RNA field. The past three years have seen very substantial advances in our understanding of the structures assumed by RNA molecules by themselves and in complexes with protein. Two crystal structures of an RNA "ribozyme" have recently been published, revealing at the atomic level how these molecules might work as catalysts. Similarly, structural studies on complexes of RNA with proteins required for splicing are providing detailed insights into how this complex process is accomplished. The early issues of RNA have fulfilled with elan their objectives in a competitive field. On this basis the future augurs well for RNA, both the journal and the molecule.

Andrew Travers is a scientist at MRC-LMB.

RNA

Editor - Timothy Nilsen
ISBN - ISSN 1355 8382
Publisher - Cambridge University Press
Price - £239.00 institutions £39.00 individuals

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