RNA Is the Cell’s Emergency Alert System
SMRTR summary
A newly discovered cellular alarm system uses RNA, not DNA, to detect damage. When UV light or other hazards mutate DNA, damaged RNA molecules accumulate and cause ribosomes to collide. This triggers a rapid response pathway led by the protein ZAK, signaling danger within minutes. The system helps cells decide whether to repair damage or self-destruct to prevent cancer.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Quanta Magazine.
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