Group 1 - The research team from University College London has successfully demonstrated the chemical connection between RNA and amino acids under enzyme-free conditions, providing new insights into the origin of life and protein synthesis [1][3][4] - The study integrates two major theories of life's origin: the "RNA world" and the "thioester world," suggesting that the origin of life may not have a single starting point but rather a collaborative evolution of metabolic and genetic systems [6][8] - The findings indicate that the chemical reaction necessary for RNA and amino acid connection likely occurred in early Earth's lakes or small pools rather than in the ocean, offering a more specific direction for scientists searching for the "cradle" of life [5][6] Group 2 - The research highlights the importance of understanding how RNA can connect with amino acids, which is crucial for grasping the mechanisms of life and protein synthesis [3][7] - The study's methodology involved using thioesters to activate amino acids, allowing for selective and spontaneous connections to RNA, which is vital for the stability and functionality of early life forms [4][6] - The implications of this research extend to potential applications in artificial life systems, in situ protein synthesis, and targeted drug delivery, emphasizing the relevance of understanding the chemical basis of life [7][8]

Core Insights - A breakthrough study by a research team from University College London has successfully demonstrated the chemical connection between RNA and amino acids under prebiotic conditions without enzymes, addressing a long-standing question in the origin of life research [4][5][6] Group 1: Research Findings - The study provides new insights into how proteins are synthesized, which is crucial for understanding the origin of life [5][6] - The research indicates that amino acids can spontaneously connect to RNA in early Earth environments, suggesting a possible pathway for the emergence of life [6][9] - The team utilized a milder method involving thioesters to activate amino acids, allowing for selective connections to RNA, which is essential for functional stability in early life forms [7][8] Group 2: Theoretical Implications - The findings merge the "RNA world" and "thioester world" theories, proposing that life may not have a single origin point but rather a collaborative evolution of metabolic and genetic systems [8][9] - This research narrows the gap between chemical evolution and biological evolution, providing a plausible chemical basis for the transition from non-living to living systems [9][10] Group 3: Future Directions - The research team aims to explore how RNA sequences preferentially bind to specific amino acids, which is vital for understanding the origins of genetic coding [10][11] - The implications of this study extend to potential applications in artificial life systems, in situ protein synthesis, and targeted drug delivery [10][11] - Continued exploration of the chemical microenvironment within cells may offer new strategies for disease prevention and treatment [10][11]

Core Insights - A breakthrough study by a research team from University College London successfully demonstrated the chemical connection between RNA and amino acids under enzyme-free conditions, addressing a long-standing question in the origin of life research [1][3][4] - The research integrates the "RNA world" and "thioester world" theories, suggesting that the origin of life may not have a single starting point but rather a collaborative evolution of metabolic and genetic systems through simple chemical reactions [6][8] Molecular Evolution - The study falls within the realm of molecular evolution, focusing on the self-assembly and functional evolution of biological macromolecules like RNA and proteins, as well as the formation of "primitive cells" [2][6] - The research highlights the importance of understanding how RNA connects with amino acids, which is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms of protein synthesis and the origin of life [3][4] Methodology and Findings - The research team utilized thioesters to activate amino acids, allowing them to connect with RNA in a controlled manner, which was previously unattainable with high-energy molecules that would decompose in water [4][5] - The findings suggest that these reactions likely occurred in early Earth's lakes or small pools rather than in the ocean, providing a more specific direction for scientists searching for the "cradle" of life [5][6] Implications for Future Research - The study opens avenues for further exploration into how RNA sequences preferentially bind to specific amino acids, which is essential for understanding the origin of the genetic code [7][8] - The research may also contribute to the development of artificial life systems, in situ protein synthesis, and targeted drug delivery, highlighting its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine [7][8] Broader Impact - The findings could bridge the gap between chemical evolution and biological evolution, offering a reasonable chemical basis for the transition from non-living chemical substances to living biological systems [6][8] - The research emphasizes the importance of the chemical microenvironment within cells, suggesting that imbalances may lead to molecular interactions abnormalities and metabolic disorders, which could inform new strategies for disease prevention [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the recent completion of nearly 100 million yuan in Pre-A round financing for Libo Bio, led by Tianshili Capital and Panlin Capital, showcasing the growing interest in biotech startups and the trend of venture capitalists seeking projects in research-intensive areas [2][9]. Group 1: Company Overview - Libo Bio was established in September 2022 by a team of three scientists, including Zhou Yaoqi, Zhan Jian, and Fang Chao, and initially received angel round financing from Sequoia China and Innovation Works [3][9]. - The company focuses on RNA research, leveraging AI to discover stable tertiary structures within RNA and predict their folding shapes and small molecule binding pockets [8][9]. - The founding team has extensive experience, with Zhou Yaoqi having nearly 30 years in structural computation, Zhan Jian being a core inventor of RNA stability methods, and Fang Chao specializing in small molecule drug development [6][9]. Group 2: Investment and Financing - The recent Pre-A round financing of nearly 100 million yuan was supported by Tianshili Capital and Panlin Capital, with follow-on investments from Yuan Sheng Venture Capital and other funds [2][9]. - The financing is seen as a significant step in transforming cutting-edge research into new productive forces, as emphasized by Yan Ning, the director of Shenzhen Bay Laboratory [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The article reflects a broader trend in the venture capital landscape, where investors are increasingly targeting projects in research-heavy environments, particularly those associated with prestigious research institutions [4][9]. - The success of Libo Bio exemplifies the effective transition from laboratory research to clinical applications, aligning with Shenzhen's efforts to promote the commercialization of frontier research [5][6].

针对上述难题，研究团队在人造细胞内实现了核苷酸从头合成代谢通路的构建，并将合成的核苷酸 用于RNA转录。该代谢通路以碳酸氢铵为起点合成尿苷三磷酸（UTP），包括氨甲酰磷酸合成酶 （CPS）、天冬氨酸转氨甲酰基酶（ATC）、二氢乳清酶（DHO）、二氢乳清酸脱氢酶（DHODH）、 磷酸核糖焦磷酸激酶（RPPK）、尿苷5′-单磷酸合成酶（UMPs）、尿苷酸激酶（UK）和核苷二磷酸激 酶（NDK）8种酶。同时，研究引入由肌酸激酶（CK）和磷酸肌酸组成的ATP（三磷酸腺苷）再生系统 以驱动该代谢途径。在优化条件下，3小时内可产生0.85毫摩尔每升的UTP，与CTP、GTP、ATP和T7 RNA聚合酶共同实现了人造细胞内的RNA转录。人造细胞内UTP从头合成代谢通路及其后续RNA转录 的成功实现，为自主人造细胞的构建奠定了坚实基础。 核苷酸是合成RNA的必要成分。以简单化合物从头合成核苷酸，对生命活动来说至关重要。目 前，人造细胞研究中转录过程均依赖预先添加的核苷酸，而非内源合成，这限制了人造细胞的自主性和 长期稳定性，在人造细胞内原位合成核苷酸以维持RNA转录仍是巨大挑战。 科技日报讯 （记者朱虹 通讯员梁英爽）8月8 ...