Structural basis of U12-type intron engagement by the fully assembled human minor spliceosome. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38484052/)

These scientists wanted to understand how a tiny machine in our cells, called the minor spliceosome, works. This machine helps to cut out and paste different parts of our genetic instructions together. The scientists used a special microscope that can see things very clearly to look at the minor spliceosome in great detail. They found out that this machine is made up of five small parts called snRNAs, which are like the workers of the machine.

One interesting thing they discovered is that the minor spliceosome has a unique part that is not found in another similar machine called the major spliceosome. They also found out that certain proteins and molecules help the minor spliceosome to do its job properly. By studying all these details, the scientists were able to learn more about how our cells follow instructions to make sure everything works correctly.

Bai R., Yuan M., Zhang P., Luo T., Shi Y., Wan R. Structural basis of U12-type intron engagement by the fully assembled human minor spliceosome. Science. 2024 Mar 15;383(6688):1245-1252. doi: 10.1126/science.adn7272. Epub 2024 Mar 14.