Navigation Links
Caltech engineers build firast-ever multi-input 'plug-and-play' synthetic RNA device
Date:10/17/2008

an be easily modified to suit almost any need. "Scientists won't have to redesign their system every time they want the RNA device to take on a new function," Smolke explains. "This modular framework allows you to quickly put a device together, then just as easily swap out the components for other ones and get a completely different kind of computation. We could generate huge libraries of well-defined sensors and assemble many different tailored devices from such component libraries."

Although the work in the Science paper was done in yeast cells, Smolke says they have already shown that they can translate to mammalian cells as well. This makes it possible to consider using these devices in a wide variety of medical applications.

For instance, ongoing work in Smolke's laboratory is looking at the packaging of these RNA devices--configured with the appropriate sensor modules--in human T cells. The synthetic device would literally be placed within the cell to detect certain signals--say, one or more particular biochemical markers that are given off by tumor cells. If those biomarkers were present, the RNA device would signal the T cell to spring into action against the putative tumor cell.

Similarly, an RNA device could be bundled alongside a modified gene as part of a targeted gene therapy package. One of the problems gene therapy faces today is its lack of specificity--it's hard to make sure a modified gene meant to fix a problem in the liver reaches or is inserted in only liver cells. But an RNA device, Smolke says, could be customized to detect the unique biomarkers of a liver cell--or, better yet, of a diseased liver cell--and only then give the modified gene the go-ahead to do its stuff.


'/>"/>

Contact: Lori Oliwenstein
lorio@caltech.edu
626-395-3631
California Institute of Technology
Source:Eurekalert

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2

Related biology news :

1. Caltech scientists engineer supersensitive receptor, gain better understanding of dopamine system
2. Caltech biologists spy on the secret inner life of a cell
3. Caltech scientists create DNA tubes with programmable sizes for nanoscale manufacturing
4. Caltech researchers awarded $10M for molecular programming project
5. Caltech engineers build mini drug-producing biofactories in yeast
6. Caltech neurobiologists discover individuals who hear movement
7. Caltech scientists awarded $20 million to Power the Planet
8. Caltech researchers find dual-use sexual attraction and population-control chemicals in nematodes
9. UNC, Caltech research finds further evidence for genetic contribution to autism
10. UC San Diego bioengineers fill holes in science of cellular self-organization
11. Engineers create bone that blends into tendons
Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email: