In the realm of cell division research, Silke Hauf and her laboratory members stumbled upon a remarkably subtle revelation.

Figure 1. Illuminating Ultra-Low Noise Genes in Fission Yeast Cells.

Figure 1 shows fission yeast cells take center stage. Evident through fluorescence markers, individual RNA molecules belonging to two ultra-low noise genes are distinguished by vibrant green and magenta spots. The cell nucleus, the epicenter of RNA production, is vividly depicted in blue, while the cell outlines provide essential context. Courtesy of Douglas Weidemann and Silke Hauf, this image sheds light on the fascinating realm of gene expression and noise regulation within cellular dynamics.

During the process of RNA expression within cells, there invariably exist fluctuations or what scientists term as "noise" in the levels of produced RNA. Remarkably, Hauf's team identified a cluster of genes that exhibit an intriguing behavior: their noise levels plunge beneath a pre-established threshold, a reference point known as the "noise floor," during the expression process.

Hauf, an associate professor in Virginia Tech's Department of Biological Sciences, remarked, "We possess robust empirical evidence to support this phenomenon. There are specific genes that exhibit distinct behavior, demonstrating significantly subdued noise levels."

In a scene often overshadowed by the more conspicuous and extensively publicized high-noise genes, Hauf and her researchers found themselves captivated by these genes characterized by ultra-low noise. This unique discovery provides a distinct vantage point for delving into the intricacies of gene expression and the associated noise.

The outcome of this discovery, unveiled through a publication in Science Advances on August 9, bears the contributions of Abhyudai Singh, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Delaware, and Ramon Grima, a professor specializing in computational biology at the University of Edinburgh. Both Singh and Grima are distinguished mathematical biologists.

The Influence of Noise on Cellular Function

Hauf underlined the significance of this revelation, emphasizing its role in enhancing our fundamental comprehension of cellular behavior. Noise is an inescapable aspect of cellular processes, yet optimal cellular function necessitates the minimization of noise. Drawing an analogy, she likened this dynamic to airports striving to maintain precise flight schedules to optimize operational efficiency.

“So it’s exciting to see that there are genes that operate with a minimum level of noise,” said Hauf. “Imagine there was a flight that always left within five minutes of the scheduled departure time. Wouldn’t you want to know how the airline does it?”

Unveiling Pathways to Further Discoveries

Hauf's enthusiasm stems from the prospect of unraveling the mechanisms underlying the subdued gene expression observed in these cells. Douglas Weidemann, an integral member of the Hauf Lab, elaborated, "Our discovery shows that there is still a lot to learn about even the basics of how cells regulate RNA levels."

“We saw these minimal fluctuations in one particular organism and cell type, but we really need to check other organisms to determine if it is universal,” Hauf said. She also expressed her aspiration to uncover additional genes falling within this distinctive category.

This pioneering research received financial support through grants from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a branch of the National Institutes of Health, and the College of Science Lay Nam Chang Dean's Discovery Fund at Virginia Tech.

Source: Virginia Tech

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Research Team Uncovers Astonishingly Low-Noise Genes, AnaTechmaz, pp.494