Researchers used a sequencing method to find hidden small RNAs in the liver. They identified a molecule called tsRNA-Glu-CTC, which is very common in the liver and whose level changes with cholesterol.
In mice, higher tsRNA-Glu-CTC increased activity of SREBP2, the protein that controls cholesterol production, and so switched on genes that make cholesterol. When researchers used an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to block the molecule, mice had lower cholesterol and milder atherosclerosis. A naturally modified form of the molecule worked better than synthetic versions. Human blood tests showed people with higher tsRNA-Glu-CTC tended to have higher cholesterol. The finding could help new drugs that act earlier than current medicines.
Difficult words
- sequencing — a laboratory method to read DNA or RNA
- cholesterol — a fatty substance found in blood and cells
- antisense oligonucleotide — a short synthetic strand that blocks an RNA
- atherosclerosis — a disease where arteries become narrow with fat
- synthetic — made by people, not by living things
- switch on — to start a biological process or activityswitched on
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Discussion questions
- Have you or someone you know ever had a cholesterol blood test? What happened?
- Why might finding molecules that change with cholesterol help doctors?
- Would you prefer a medicine that works earlier than current drugs? Why or why not?
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