Author: Fadel Fakih

RNA Stability: From Transient Messengers to Resilient Architects

~ Fadel Fakih ~ Leave a comment

Macromolecules' stability governs and affects most cellular processes, well-being, and the life cycle. Beyond the cellular level, it plays a key role in development, physiological responses, and homeostasis. The two sister nucleic acids, RNA and DNA, share many similarities, but they differ greatly in their respective half-lives. DNA is an extremely stable molecule that can … Continue reading RNA Stability: From Transient Messengers to Resilient Architects

RNA 3D Structure Prediction: Importance, Challenges, and Advances

~ Fadel Fakih

RNA biology and biochemistry studies have become a hotspot in basic and translational research. This is because RNA is not only a bridge between the genetic code and proteins, but it is also a key regulator of gene expression at multiple levels. Being that a key regulator makes various types of RNA molecules responsible for … Continue reading RNA 3D Structure Prediction: Importance, Challenges, and Advances

An Entirely New tRNA Chromosome: Are we truly on the brink of synthesizing new forms of life?

~ Fadel Fakih ~ Leave a comment

The Synthetic Yeast Genome Project - Sc2.0 is a state-of-the-art initiative in which scientists from all around the world are collaborating to synthesize an entire eukaryotic genome, specifically that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This endeavor aims to empower researchers to understand and overcome obstacles in genome improvement, fostering the creation of more robust organisms for key … Continue reading An Entirely New tRNA Chromosome: Are we truly on the brink of synthesizing new forms of life?

Science and Religion: Nothing is Objectively True

~ Fadel Fakih ~ Leave a comment

In the pursuit of truth, humanity has grappled with the problem in various ways, with science and religion emerging as two major approaches. The decision between them often hinges on seeking personal comfort rather than adhering to what is objectively true, delving into the intricate interplay between personal beliefs and cultural influences. When addressing existential … Continue reading Science and Religion: Nothing is Objectively True

Codon Reassignment: Breaking the Rules of Genetic Language

~ Fadel Fakih

An increasing knowledge concerning the genetic code helped us to better understand the mechanisms of translation. Now being a text-book knowledge, the genetic code is made up of 64 codons, of which 61 code for amino acids and three for stop codons. Corresponding number of tRNAs is needed for pairing with complementary triplets in mRNA … Continue reading Codon Reassignment: Breaking the Rules of Genetic Language

From RNA Editing to Nobel Honors: Revolutionizing RNA Based Therapeutics

~ Fadel Fakih

Gene expression is intricately controlled through various regulatory layers, spanning from transcription to post-translational modifications. In 1970, the discovery of RNA editing marked a pivotal moment in molecular biology, unveiling N6-methyladenosine (m6A) as the first identified RNA modification. Today, RNA editing stands as a crucial facet of gene regulation, contributing not only to our understanding … Continue reading From RNA Editing to Nobel Honors: Revolutionizing RNA Based Therapeutics