A potential revolution in genetic research might be underway, thanks to a major breakthrough accomplished by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania.
These scientists have developed an innovative technique for making artificial chromosomes that operate within human cells, opening unprecedented possibilities for genetic therapies, particularly against certain cancers, and various laboratory applications.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method that simplifies the construction of human artificial chromosomes, promising to accelerate DNA research and expand the potentials of gene therapy and biotechnology.
This method overcomes technical challenges previously insurmountable, allowing for the rapid and precise fabrication of human artificial chromosomes. Their study, published in the journal
Science, reveals how these DNA constructs allow for the efficient creation of these chromosomes, promising to significantly speed up DNA research and facilitate the development of cell therapies better tailored for diseases like cancer.
Until now, existing techniques for creating these artificial chromosomes were limited by the tendency of DNA constructs to assemble into long and unpredictable sequences, complicating their therapeutic or scientific use. The new approach by the team at the University of Pennsylvania circumvents this issue by using larger DNA constructs, which promotes their maintenance in simple and predictable copies.
This innovation is not merely providing a reliable alternative to current gene delivery systems but also paves the way for a wide range of genetic engineering applications. For example, it would allow the expression of large sets of genes, thereby facilitating the construction of complex protein machines, and represents a safer, more productive, and sustainable platform for the expression of therapeutic genes compared to traditional viral vectors.
The researchers also envisage the use of this technology to develop artificial chromosomes for other organisms, including plants, to produce high-yield crops resistant to pests.
Researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute, the University of Edinburgh, and the Technical University of Darmstadt also contributed to this study, supported by the National Institutes of Health.