(Nanowerk News) Chemists in Japan report development of the world's first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts. The finding could lead to improvements in gene therapy, futuristic nano-sized computers, and other high-tech advances, they say. Their study is scheduled for the July 23 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, a weekly publication ("Artificial DNA Made Exclusively of Nonnatural C-Nucleosides with Four Types of Nonnatural Bases").

Scientists are reporting synthesis of the world's first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts. The discovery could be used in the fields of gene therapy and futuristic high-tech advances, such as nano-sized computers.  (Image: Masahiko Inouye)

In the new study, Masahiko Inouye and colleagues point out that scientists have tried for years to develop artificial versions of DNA in order to extend its amazing information storage capabilities. As the genetic blueprint of all life forms, DNA uses the same set of four basic building blocks, known as bases, to code for a variety of proteins used in cell functioning and development. Until now, scientists have only been able to craft DNA molecules with one or a few artificial parts, including certain bases.

The researchers used high-tech DNA synthesis equipment to stitch together four entirely new, artificial bases inside the sugar-based framework of a DNA molecule. This resulted in unusually stable, double-stranded structures resembling natural DNA. Like natural DNA, the new structures were right-handed and some easily formed triple-stranded structures. The unique chemistry of these structures and their high stability offer unprecedented possibilities for developing new biotech materials and applications, the researchers say.

Source: American Chemical Society

111.jpg (28.02 KB)

2008-7-7 23:49

科学家用DNA设计出这种出头的八面体

据美国生活科学网报道，日本化学家声称他们制造了世界首批几乎是百分之百的人造DNA分子。此发现将有助于改进基因治疗，驱动未来纳米级电脑和其它高科技装备。

具有双螺旋结构的DNA拥有生命设计图，将能控制每一种活生物具有什么功能，并能行驶什么功能。多年来，科学家一直致力于开发人造DNA，以利用其惊人的信息贮存能力。如今，科学家利用DNA制造出了简单的电路。

DNA通过4个碱基配对来复制基因代码，从而主导细胞的功能和发展。其他科学家用较少的人造碱基制造了DNA分子。但日本富山大学的科学家则采用几乎是全新的百分之百的人造碱基打造了DNA分子，具有异乎寻常稳定的双螺旋结构，酷似天然的DNA。

科学家表示，像天然的DNA一样，此新的人造DNA也是右旋结构，不过，还有一些分子很容易形成3螺旋结构。这些结构的独特化学特征和其高度的稳定性，为开发新的生物技术材料和应用提供空前的可能性。此技术突破将发表在7月23日出版的《美国化学会志》（JACS）杂志上。科学家表示这些人造DNA将被用于未来的体外基因系统中，使其具备信息贮备和放大能力。（来源：中国网 尼特）
  
（《美国化学会志》（JACS）， 130 (27), 8762–8768，Yasuhiro Doi，Masahiko Inouye）

Fulltext: ja801058h.pdf (593.79 KB)

ja801058h.pdf (593.79 KB)
下载次数: 11

2008-7-7 23:49

http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/samp ... /abs/ja801058h.html
http://www.sciencenet.cn/htmlpaper/2008771650253132696.html

这个图可真漂亮。。。
觉得螺旋的东西就是漂亮啊。。。

好东西啊，居然是人造的，怎么控制它生长的呢。。。
看来DNA计算机有希望了啊。