Taming inflammation by licensed elimination of mRNAs

Inflammation – a physiological and important response to infection – can result in undesirable tissue damage if not carefully controlled. Inflammatory mediators are, therefore, tightly regulated. In a new study published in Molecular Cell, the Kovarik lab reveals a novel mechanism for the targeted elimination of pro-inflammatory pre-mRNAs in the nucleus, which prevents the over-production of cytokines in the cytoplasm. The study is a collaborative effort, involving three Perutz labs and expertise from the Mass Spectrometry facility. It highlights the critical role of mRNA decay in maintaining immune system balance.