A team of researchers has made a revolutionary discovery: in our body there are previously unknown entities, called "Obelisks". These RNA formations, predominantly detected in microbiomes of the mouth and intestines, have unique characteristics that distinguish them from any other known life form. Their existence raises new questions about the nature of life and the intricate mechanisms that govern our bodies, stimulating further research in a still unexplored field.
“Obelisks”, discovery and classification
The “Obelisks” were identified by a team led by Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and pathologist, Andrew Fire. These entities were discovered using an innovative genomic search filter. Research (that I link to you here) revealed nearly 30.000 obelisks by examining the Integrative Human Microbiome Project's database.
Their prevalence in different parts of the human body, such as the intestine and mouth, suggests a potentially significant role in human health.
Features and functions
“Obelisks” are somewhere between viruses and viroids: circular, single-stranded RNA thought to primarily infect plants, while also wreaking havoc on plants. weed crops.
Unlike viruses and viroids, however, “Obelisks” can produce proteins, called “oblins”, that do not resemble any known proteins. This makes them unique and raises questions about their possible roles in the human body. Their need for a host to survive was confirmed through their association with a bacterium found in dental plaque, Streptococcus sanguinis.
In other words, “Obelisks” represent a completely new class of organisms and challenge our understanding of life at the microscopic level. Scientists now face the challenge of understanding how these obelisks interact with microbial and human life, their role in our body's ecosystem, and how they influence our health.
The more we look, the more incredible things we discover
Mark Peifer, a cellular and developmental biologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Conclusion
The discovery of the "Obelisks" represents an important step in understanding the microscopic world. Their existence suggests that there are still many mysteries to be revealed about the complex web of life that exists within our bodies. These studies open new doors for biomedical research, with potential implications for understanding and treating various health conditions.
It may just be the beginning of a new era in biological and medical research. We will follow developments carefully.
