Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a new way " to synthesize morpholinos that would only bind with RNA molecules after a brief exposure to UV light". Normally morpholinos, when injected, are active in their function immediately turning off specific genes. The problem is that it turns off those genes in every part of the body since its function is effective even during cell division. Difficulties then arise because, "uncontrolled genetic disruption makes studying tissue-specific and time-specific gene function difficult".
The research team of NCSU found a solution to these disruptions. By creating morpholinos that would only carry out its function of RNA binding after allowing it to be targeted with UV light. This discovery was, "effectively 'caging' the morpholino and providing a method for precisely controlling the genetic off switch". The researches further tested the new method and found that "the caged morpholinos did not disrupt gene function unless the embryos were briefly exposed to UV light".
This new advancement is remarkable for further studying gene effects. Since now researchers can aim UV light at specific areas to switch genes so that studying the functions of those genes during development is now easier. This new method of targeting is great so researchers have a narrow scope to conclude about the effects of certain genes from certain areas instead of rather having disrupting evidence of all functions of developments due to the older method.
http://www.geneticstimes.com/research/Researchers_develop_more_precise_genetic_off_switches.asp
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