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Guanidine aptamers are present in vertebrate RNAs associated with calcium signaling and neuromuscular function

Author

Listed:
  • Kumari Kavita

    (Yale University)

  • Aya Narunsky

    (Yale University)

  • Jessica J. Mohsen

    (Yale University
    Yale University)

  • Isha Mahadeshwar

    (Yale University)

  • Michael G. Mohsen

    (Yale University)

  • Yu-Shin Chang

    (Yale University)

  • Ronald R. Breaker

    (Yale University
    Yale University)

Abstract

Guanidine is a protein denaturant that is a widely used constituent in explosives, plastics, and resins. Its effects on muscle contraction were initially reported in 1876, which eventually led to the use of guanidine as a treatment for certain ataxia symptoms such as those caused by Lambert-Eaton disease. However, its mechanisms of therapeutic action remained unknown. Guanidine was recently found to be a widespread natural metabolite through the discovery of four bacterial riboswitch classes that selectively recognize this compound. Here, we report the discovery and biochemical validation of vertebrate members of guanidine-I and -II riboswitch aptamer classes that are associated with numerous genes relevant to neuromuscular function, mostly involved in Ca2+ transport or signaling. These findings suggest that guanidine is a widely used signaling molecule that serves as an additional layer of regulation of genes relevant to neuromuscular disorders.

Suggested Citation

  • Kumari Kavita & Aya Narunsky & Jessica J. Mohsen & Isha Mahadeshwar & Michael G. Mohsen & Yu-Shin Chang & Ronald R. Breaker, 2025. "Guanidine aptamers are present in vertebrate RNAs associated with calcium signaling and neuromuscular function," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62815-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62815-6
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