Viroides: ‘Ribbons’ of RNA who kidnapped enzymes and entered our cells

An interesting discovery made by phytopatologist Theodor Diener in 1967 should revolutionize molecular biology: Although it was first classified as a virus, a contagious agent with completely different characteristics. This copying substance, called viroide, was a genetic material that did not produce protein and did not package (capsid) for its genome.

Although it has created a world of completely new biological beings, viruses have been forgotten by the scientific community of the viruses for more than half a century. In only 2020, Benjamin Lee of the National Biotechnology Information Center began researching these subviral agents even without having the slightest idea of ​​what they were.

Soon the researcher was satisfied with viroids. They consist of a circular RNA band without a capsid, which is to multiply, The host misses an enzyme that the cell usually uses to produce its own RNA. Enzyme surrounds the virid and then makes copies in a long RNA chain, which is cut into smaller pieces, forming rods.

Viroides “viralized”

Since 2021, viroids that are literally viralized in scientific literature with the emergence of new research that has managed to identify some new types Like obelisks, ribosivirus and satellitesSurprisingly found in various organisms and microorganisms. Microscopic agents extend far beyond the previously studied plants.

Until 2023, Lee and his colleagues have already described more than 11,000 similar Circular RNAs, including the features of both viruses and viruses. Another uncertain class in mushrooms, Ambiviruses, RNA virus hybrids and viruses are defined as similar elements.

However, the most amazing discovery will come with the work of Viroid Viroid -like Colonies in Human Microbiomas ği published in Cell: Oebelisks in 2024. These circular genetic materials contain one or two genes and organize themselves in the form of a stick in the human mouth and intestines. 29.969 different types of assets that encode proteins called oblins are defined.

What are the effects of Viroid’s Biology Discoveries?

If the estimated viruses on the planet are considered as a border in what we mean by life, if they cannot reproduce without the help of a landlord, what do you say? Are living beings or manifestations of a complex chemistry? The answers to these questions can revolutionize the basic concepts of biology.

In the science community, there is an increasing movement that proposes to abandon the bilateral view of life and to adopt the spectrum perspective in which beings can be classified into “vitality” continuity. On this scale, viroids and the like are more vivid than rocks and less vivid than bacteria, men and elephants.

There is no scientific consensus at the root of these biological beings. Some suggest that viruses may occur spontaneously from living cells. Others bet that the first self -hunger life forms that make up the primordial of the “RNA world” on earth can be “living fossils”.

Future difficulties for examining viroids

In the last five years, the information produced in the last five years is infinitely larger than produced in the previous fifty years, as well as scientists understand that the already findings represent a small part of the viroid universe. In this context, Existing research tools may have allowed a large microscopic universe, but not discovered.

Even the classification of previously discovered beings has been a complex difficulty for taxonomists. In addition to the existing categories, they do not pay attention to the diversity of the forms and behaviors revealed, new beings often transition between different categories because they obtain or lose their characteristics through continuous evolution.

Although it is still insufficient to understand the real impact of veiroids on human health and other living things, their assets and various forms in many environments propose an important role in biological systems. Therefore, future research in this field not only reveals new assets and molecular mechanisms, but also provides valuable information about the origin and nature of life on Earth.

Did you already know the viroids? Comment on our social networks and enjoy sharing the story in your friend groups. Until next time!