Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine have recently made a breakthrough in the development of Human Artificial Chromosomes (HACs). These artificial chromosomes are laboratory engineered for gene therapy, genetic manipulation, and laboratory research. Prior to this breakthrough, the main struggle with developing HACs was the tendency for artificial DNA constructs to unpredictably clump together, making them practically useless.
By using a singular, long strand of parental DNA the team of researchers have been able to construct HACs while preventing multimerization (clumping). On top of this, the artificially created DNA is capable of coexisting with the natural chromosomes without negatively impacting them. This innovation in the creative process allows for researchers to create HACs quicker and at a higher quality, increasing the speed at which DNA research can take place. Quicker and more effective DNA research opens up new possibilities in finding gene therapies for various diseases that may have previously been too costly or time consuming.
While this development of using long single strands of DNA to create high quality HACs is revolutionary in the field of genetic medicine, it potential uses are still understated. For example, HACs could be engineered to carry entire gene networks that could control cellular functions such as targeting and destroying cells (like cancer cells). This form of genetic manipulation could also be used in the agricultural field to change the genetic framework of various crops to enhance traits such as pest resistance and drought tolerance. Overall genetic manipulation is still in its early stages and has plenty of potential to massively benefit the human race beyond medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9611860/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4627072/
https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/what-gene-therapy
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