DNA Origami: Using protein “staples” to create a new building block

A new method of DNA nanostructural engineering has been proposed recently. The process involves the use of transcription activator-like (TAL) effector proteins to act as staples that bind to desired areas of double-stranded DNA and create loops of user-chosen designs.  This DNA origami can be used as a nanostructure to place other attached proteins into a desired spatial arrangement that could serve some other purpose.  This is basically a method of using DNA strands as nano-scale scaffolding to arrange other desired elements into a specific shape.  Until now, only single strand DNA has been folded using oligonucleotides at non-physiological temperatures. Although this new process was only accomplished outside of living cells, the idea creates new potential for using DNA origami to create desired 3D structures out of proteins and DNA available in a living cell system. 

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/355/6331/eaam5488

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170323141326.htm

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cbic.201600289/full

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhGG__boRxU

DNA Nanobots that Kill Cancer Cells Scheduled for Human Trials.

Researchers at Bar-llan University in Israel developed tiny nano-robots made entirely of molecular DNA that search for and destroy cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This process has also been called "DNA origami" instead of "DNA nanobots."  While the research has, so far, only been performed on cell cultures and live animals (cockroaches, to name one), their hopes now turn to perform the research on a living person. Head researcher, Dr. Ido Bachelet, described the design of the nanobots back in 2012. At that time, the nanobots recognized at least 12 different types of cancer and had the ability to detect when a diabetic needed insulin. About one year ago, the nanobots were revamped and injected into live cockroaches with promising results. The first human test will be performed on a terminally ill leukemia patient with only a few months left to live. The research team is hopeful the cancer will be irradicated within one month.

The design of the nanobots is such that it won't incite an immune response. They were modeled after the body's natural immune system. The nanobots patrol the blood stream, much like white blood cells, and immediately report to any signs of distress. Since DNA is biodegradeable and biocompatible, it will eventually break down and avoid a foreign body immune response. The older version, from the 2012 Science magazine description, is shaped like a hexagonal tube with a latched hinge. When a targeted cell is recognized, the latch swings open (like Pac-Man) and deliver deadly drugs or nanoparticles to the targeted cell. The nanoparticles (mostly) cause the cancer cells to self-destruct. The newly revamped version, published in Nature magazine and practiced on cockroaches, resemble boxes with lids. These "boxes" were created using DNA strands, and inside the "box" were molecules that contained hemolymphs.

A photo of the first version of the nanobots from 2012.

Dr. Bachelet has huge visions and hopes for his nanobots. In the future, he wishes to treat just about any disease process, as well as perform cellular level surgeries, such as repairing spinal injuries via nerve cells.

The revamped version of the nanorobots injected into cockroaches.

This is revolutionary in the nanotechnology world. While nanotechnology has existed since the 1980's, there has yet to be such a medical wonder. However, there are some risks associated with this process in human beings. Some cancers actually invade an entire organ, rather than just floating around in the bloodstream or existing on the epithelial tissue. If these nanobots are programmed to take out the cancer cells, they could (theoretically) destroy an entire organ in the process. If the nanobots are so rapid at destroying a slowly developing cancer, they could wipe out a substantial amount of an organ before it has time to repair itself. If the nanobots are to be successful, their destruction rate of cancer tissue should be equal with the regeneration rate of healthy tissue.

Another concern I have is that this technology can be used, if in the wrong hands, to destroy healthy cells. There are plenty of terrorist organizations in this world that are leaning more and more towards bio-terrorism. Rather than a widespread poison, like anthrax or cyanide, these little nanobots could easily make their way into human bodies and destroy an entire country, if not more. Perhaps not by means of injection, but ingestion or inhalation. It's worrisome and scary, but it is always a possibility that things created for the good of humanity can be altered for the evil.


Original Article: Can DNA Nanobots Successfully Treat Cancer Patients? First Human Trial Soon

Computer can now model complex 3D shapes with hopes for DNA

Researchers reveal they have created a computer which they claim can now model intricate 3D shapes such as rings, bowls, and icosahedrons which are related to structures of viruses. The hopes of the newly developed technology is the branching of the computer to be used for DNA. So far DNA has been observed an analyzed by its sequences of its nucleotide building blocks, but another important property of DNA is its shape. About ten years ago scientists began manipulating DNA in 2D beginning "DNA Origami." As nanotechnology improved the scientists progressed towards 3D manipulation. The 3D nanostructures are utilized for the hope of creating methods to deliver drugs more effectively, enhance RNA Therapies, and cause artifical photosynthesis from chromophores.

The latest version of a model named CanDo cuts DNA sequences into subunits called "multiway junctions" which is what normally allows DNA strands to cross over during replication. The computer model reassembles the multiway junctions into the nanoscale shapes. Professor Bathe (MIT) reveals that the DNA shapes are "passive scaffolds" as their function would come from other molecules attached to them. 

I found this article interesting because I feel this is a big step for geneticists and those who study anything that is extremely small. A computer which can model structures for these researchers will bring a lot more understanding and success for those who use it.Also, how the researchers at MIT are using it displays the capability for the computer to be used for the medical field to help understand and hopefully improve the methods used by medical staff to treat patients. 

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