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Protein’s ‘silent code’ affects how cells move

A School of Veterinary Medicine-led study shows how, despite having nearly identical amino acid sequences, two forms of the protein actin differ in function due their distinct nucleotide sequences.
six panels showing cells in green with protein involved in cell movement labeled in red
Despite having very similar amino acid sequences, two forms of the protein actin have distinct roles in the body. A Penn Vet-led team showed that differences in the coding sequence of nucleotides between the forms influenced their function, affecting the speed of protein production and subsequently, cell movement.
(Image: Courtesy of the Kashina laboratory)

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