An international team of researchers, including scientists from Trinity College Dublin and the University of Florida, has finally unraveled a 30-year-old mystery in human biology. They have identified the gene responsible for the absorption of queuosine, a vital micronutrient crucial for brain function and cancer prevention.

Queuosine, a microscopic molecule discovered in the 1970s, is a key nutrient that our bodies cannot produce on their own and must obtain from food and gut bacteria. Despite its importance, the role of queuosine has remained largely unknown until now.

The breakthrough study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), sheds light on how queuosine enters cells and opens up new possibilities for developing therapies that utilize this micronutrient for cancer treatment, memory enhancement, and cognitive function.

Researchers have identified the gene SLC35F2 as the human transporter responsible for queuosine uptake. This molecule plays a crucial role in modifying transfer RNA, enabling the accurate translation of genetic information into proteins, which are essential for various bodily functions.

Professor Vincent Kelly from Trinity College Dublin, one of the senior authors of the study, emphasized the significance of this discovery in understanding the impact of queuosine on human health. He highlighted the potential for exploring new therapeutic strategies and gaining insights into how diet and gut microbes influence our biological processes.

The conservation of SLC35F2 across different species suggests its ancient origins and fundamental importance in biological functions. The discovery of this transporter gene marks a significant milestone in unraveling the complex interactions between the microbiome, diet, and gene expression.

Prof. Valérie de Crécy-Lagard from the University of Florida, another key investigator in the study, emphasized the role of queuosine as a nutrient that fine-tunes gene expression. The findings pave the way for future research on developing medications that target this gene, potentially leading to new treatments for various diseases.

This groundbreaking research, funded by several organizations including the National Institutes of Health and Research Ireland, provides a deeper understanding of how micronutrients impact human health and opens up new avenues for medical advancements.

For more information, the published journal article can be accessed on the PNAS website.