ScienceAugust 15, 2026
tailons
TAY-lonz
Definition
Specific RNA regulatory elements that bind to proteins to reinforce and extend the poly(A) tail of mRNA, thereby increasing its stability and lifespan.
Etymology
The term is a modern scientific neologism formed by combining 'tail'—referring to the poly(A) tail of RNA—with the suffix '-on', which is commonly used in molecular biology to denote a distinct unit or element (as seen in 'codon' or 'exon').
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the newly discovered regulatory sequences that prevent mRNA from breaking down too quickly in cells. Identifying these helps explain how to improve the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines.
Nakasone Award winner Kim V. Narry discovers viral mechanism that extends mRNA lifespan
Read the full article ↗Korea JoongAng Daily