Scientists Use Light to "Tag and Track" Genetic Processes

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/8/13-19101_Scientists-Use-Light-To-Tag-and-Track-Genetic-Proc_article-wide.html

Summary

      This article talks about how UT Dallas researchers are using molecules to "tag" DNA and monitor a process called DNA looping, a natural mechanism involved in rearranging genetic material in some type of cells. This method not only sheds light on the biophysics of DNA looping but also might be adapted to screen drugs for effectiveness against certain viruses that affect the genetic material, such as HIV. DNA looping is a common mechanism in many instances of gene-splicing. Proteins within cells or proteins made by invading viruses attach onto specific docking points on a DNA molecule. They bring those points together to form a loop, and then snip out the genetic material between the points while reconnecting the loose-ends. DNA looping is seen in organisms with circular DNA. By inserting into those points a molecule that fluoresces when exposed to certain wavelengths of light, the researchers can monitor the changes in fluorescence and watch the steps of loop formation. 

Relevance to Class

      This article connects to the previous unit where we learned about viruses and the process of insertion. DNA looping benefits viruses trying to integrate themselves into the human genome and disrupts it, creating mutated proteins. This method can help scientists learn more about DNA looping and produce drugs that can hopefully interfere with process, which ties into biotechnology which is a branch of DNA technology which we have talked about.

URL: http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/8/13-19101_Scientists-Use-Light-To-Tag-and-Track-Genetic-Proc_article-wide.html

Author: Amanda Seigried

Date of Publication: August 13, 2012

By Katya Murzin