Editor's Summary
8 December 2005
Two-Edged Sword
Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) was first identified as a pathway that prevents abnormal protein synthesis by eliminating mRNAs with premature stop codons. It's now clear that NMD has a role in controlling some genetic diseases, but that it can have a harmful effect in others. A difficult balancing act for those working on NMD as a possible means of therapy.
News Feature: Nonsense mutations: Running the red light
A trial drug encourages cells to ignore the signs that stop them making faulty proteins. Sound dangerous? Claire Ainsworth discovers that it could be a cure for genetic disease.
doi:10.1038/438726a