Science
What are RNA Secondary Structures?
RNA, often regarded as a linear molecule, folds into the cells, creating complex structures called secondary structures. Those structures play important cellular roles for the correct functioning of all living beings, from viruses to humans.
How are RNA secondary structures related to disease?
Pathogens, such as viruses, use their own RNA secondary structures to capture enzymes in their host cells that enable them to replicate. Also, genetic defects can produce RNA secondary structures in our cells that also capture important enzymes, blocking those enzymes from performing their functions and leading to disease.
How are we curing disease?
Our circular RNAs bind to the pathogen RNA secondary structures, or to the aberrant RNA secondary structures in our cells, and disrupt them. This renders the pathogen uncapable of surviving or corrects the cellular defects in our cells.
