
via genome.gov
Biochemists use protein engineering to transfer photocaging groups to DNA
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the basis of life on earth. The function of DNA is to store all the genetic information, which an organism needs to develop, function and reproduce. It is essentially a biological instruction manual found in every cell. Biochemists at the University of Münster have now developed a strategy for controlling the biological functions of DNA with the aid of light. This enables researchers to better understand and control the different processes which take place in the cell – for example epigenetics, the key chemical change and regulatory lever in DNA. The results have been published in the journal “Angewandte Chemie”.
Background and methodology
The cell’s functions depend on special molecules, the enzymes. Enzymes are proteins, which carry out chemical reactions in the cell. They help to synthesize metabolic products, make copies of the DNA molecules, convert energy for the cell’s activities, change DNA epigenetically and break down certain molecules. A team of researchers headed by Prof. Andrea Rentmeister from the Institute of Biochemistry at the University of Münster used a so-called enzymatic cascade reaction in order to understand and track these functions better. This sequence of successive reaction steps involving different enzymes makes it possible to transfer so-called photocaging groups – chemical groups, which can be removed by means of irradiation with light – to DNA. Previously, studies had shown that only small residues (small modifications such as methyl groups) could be transferred very selectively to DNA, RNA (ribonucleic acid) or proteins. “As a result of our work, it is now possible to transfer larger residues or modifications such as the photocaging groups just mentioned,” explains Nils Klöcker, one of the lead authors of the study and a PhD student at the Institute of Biochemistry. Working together with structural biologist Prof. Daniel Kümmel, who also works at the Institute of Biochemistry, it was also possible to explain the basis for the changed activity at a molecular level.
Using so-called protein engineering – a method for which a Nobel prize was awarded in 2018 – the Münster researchers engineered one enzyme in the cascade, making it possible to switch DNA functions on and off by means of light. With the aid of protein design, it was possible to expand the substrate spectrum of enzymes – in this case, methionine adenosyltransferases (MATs). In their work, the researchers examined two MATs. The modifications carried out offer a starting point for developing other MATs with an expanded substrate spectrum. “Combining these MATs with other enzymes has potential for future cellular applications. This is an important step for implementing in-situ generated, non-natural substances for other enzymes in epigenetic studies,” says Andrea Rentmeister.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
DNA functions
- A protein structure reveals how replication of DNA coding for antibiotic resistance is initiated
In all living organisms, DNA replication is essential to ensure the genetic fidelity of the next generation. However, bacteria can also transfer genetic information horizontally to other bacteria.
- Dogma-defying bacteria package DNA in unusual ways
Some bacteria appear to encase their genomes in proteins called histones — which weren’t thought to exist in bacterial cells.
- Fact Check-COVID-19 vaccines do not add a ‘third strand’ of DNA
Once the message has been read, the mRNA molecule quickly breaks down and has no further function. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other outlets have previously explained that ...
- Voice-activated system for hands-free, safer DNA handling
Smart voice assistants are a popular way for people to get quick answers or play their favorite music. That same technology could make the laboratory safer for scientists and technicians who handle ...
- A Completely New Way To Kill Cancer: Artificial DNA
Hairpin-shaped DNA interacts with microRNA in cancer cells, activating an immune response. University of Tokyo researchers have made a breakthrough in the fight against cancer with the use of ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
DNA functions
[google_news title=”” keyword=”DNA functions” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Protein engineering
- A ‘De-extinction’ Company Wants to Bring Back the Dodo
A de-extinction company known for its plans to resurrect the mammoth and Tasmanian tiger has announced it will also bring back the dodo ...
- Protein Engineering Market 2023: Analysis Report with Historic and Upcoming Business Growth Revenue with Regional Segmentation Forecast to 2027
Feb 02, 2023 (The Expresswire) -- "Final Report will add the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on this industry." “Protein Engineering Market” ...
- AI and Computational Design Advance Protein Engineering
With data-driven methods such as de novo protein design and iterative engineering, drug development is becoming more deliberate and systematic.
- Orion Biotechnology Publishes Whitepaper Highlighting the Importance and Challenges in Unlocking “Undruggable” GPCRs
Ottawa, Canada, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Biotechnology Canada Ltd. (Orion), a drug discovery and development company unlocking the therapeutic potential of previously undruggable G ...
- AI technology generates original proteins from scratch
and it will energize the 50-year-old field of protein engineering by speeding the development of new proteins that can be used for almost anything from therapeutics to degrading plastic.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Protein engineering
[google_news title=”” keyword=”protein engineering” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]