Chapter 3 - Function of membrane and protein synthesis in the cell

Abstract

The self-orienting property of phospholipids in an aqueous solution leads the biological membrane into closed spherical structures and reseals it by itself when torn out. The columnar transmembrane proteins make up about half of the cell membrane and are responsible for the specialized membrane functions. The functions of the cells are regulated via signaling molecules such as neurotransmitters or hormones. Living cells function by their own proteins made under the gene instructions regulated by the gene silencing mechanism. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) could be used for gene therapy since they are able to turn off some genes by inactivating mRNA. However, exogenous siRNA is prone to degradation and has a limited ability to cross cell membranes. For the cell to uptake these negatively charged nucleic acids effectively, the net charge should be positive or neutral. As exosomes naturally carry RNA between cells, these particles may be useful to deliver therapeutic siRNA to the target cells. Moreover, exosomes have natural ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier. We can use exosomes as a natural carrier to deliver therapeutic siRNA to distant target cells in our body in gene cancer therapy. Quantitative RT-PCR is considered most powerful, sensitive, and quantitative assay for the detection of RNA in tissue levels. It is frequently applied to find the specific gene for the defective protein in diseases, for using cDNA in expression vectors, or detection of COVID-19 in oropharyngeal mucus to find an infected person.