Santa Cruz, CA, USA and Oxford, UK, 27 September 2010: Research published this week in Nature Nanotechnology shows a new method of enzyme-controlled movement of a single strand of DNA through a protein nanopore. The paper, by researchers at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), represents a key step towards nanopore sequencing of DNA strands.
The publication describes the observation of single stranded DNA (ssDNA) as it translocates through a protein nanopore, alpha hemolysin (AHL). Movement of the ssDNA was controlled by polymerase-facilitated replication of individual DNA molecules. This movement could be initiated under electronic control. Polymerase activity was shown to be blocked in solution when the ssDNA was not at the nanopore opening, however capture of the strand by the pore removes a blocking strand of nucleotides and allows the polymerase to function on the trapped strand.
UCSC researchers are collaborating with Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd in the development of a new generation of electronic, single-molecule DNA sequencing technology. In the 'strand sequencing' method, current through a nanopore is measured as a DNA polymer passes through that pore. Changes in this current are used to identify the DNA bases on the DNA molecule, in sequence. This paper addresses a key challenge for DNA strand sequencing: fine control of the translocation of the DNA strand through the nanopore, at a rate that is consistent and slow enough to enable accurate identification of individual DNA bases. The Nature Nanotechnology work shows for the first time that the motion of a strand can be controlled using electronic feedback and that an enzyme can move a strand against a field while located on top of the nanopore.
"The techniques described in this paper are an advance towards electronic, single molecule DNA sequencing of DNA strands" said investigator Professor Mark Akeson of the University of California, Santa Cruz. "E
'/>"/>
| Contact: Zoe McDougall media@nanoporetech.com 44-084-503-47900 x201 Feinstein Kean Healthcare Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Mimicking nature, water-based artificial leaf produces electricity
2. Natures gift for gardening may hold key to biodiversity
3. Blood signatures to diagnose infection
4. A river flipped: Humans trump nature on Texas river
5. Texas A&M spring graduate contributes to mental retardation research published in Nature
6. Most panda habitat is outside nature reserves according to joint MSU-Chinese research
7. Mother Nature to provide an environmentally friendly method for reducing mosquitoes
8. New hypothesis for human evolution and human nature
9. Genome signatures enable tracking of algal complexity
10. Conserving nature and dollars: Delivering cost-effective biodiversity protection
11. Beverages leave geographic signatures that can track peoples movements
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |