AI-designed DNA Controls Genes in Mammalian Cells For the First Time

    A study carried out at the Centre for Genomic Regulation(CGR) in Barcelona, had recently discovered the first reported instance of generative AI designing synthetic molecules that can successfully control gene expression in healthy mammalian cells. The model can be told to create synthetic fragments of DNA with custom criteria, and then predict which combination of nucleotides (A, T, C, G) are needed for the gene expression patterns required in specific types of cells. Researchers then chemically synthesized roughly 250 nucleotide DNA fragments and then add them to a virus, which will then carry the modified DNA into a desired cell. 

    For proof that the AI modification was successful, researchers asked the AI to design synthetic fragments that activate a gene coding for a fluorescent protein in certain cells while leaving other gene expression patterns untouched. They created the desired fragments from scratch and transferred them into a mouse's genome, where the modified sequence fused with the mouse's genome in random places. The results of this study could be used to find new ways for gene therapy developers to boost or weaken the activity of genes in certain cells or tissues. This use of AI can also be used to find alter a person's genes and make treatments more effective and reduce side effects. This concept hasn't been tested yet, but researchers intend to start investigating this soon. AI-generated enhancers can help engineer ultra-selective switches that can be designed to have specific on/off patterns required in specific types of cells. A level of accuracy which is crucial for creating therapies that avoid unintended effects in healthy cells.

Bed Bugs on the Subway?

In a new study published in Nature Communications, scientists have successfully mapped the genome of bed bugs throughout New York City and traced fragments of their DNA through the subway system. Interestingly enough, scientists found that genetic traces of these insects in northern Manhattan are rather closely related to those of southern Manhattan, while there are bigger variations amongst bed bugs in the Upper West and East side. Christopher Mason, a geneticist said the reason for this could be found by looking at the subway map, where trains run north to south and not entirely east to west. To learn about how the bedbug has evolved and spread, the New York team took DNA sample swabs from 1,400 city locations including subway cars, turnstiles, ticket vending kiosks, and aboveground sites such as parks. Ultimately, Dr. Armato an evolutionary biologist who collaborated with Dr. Mason explained there were various ways the bed bug’s DNA could wind up on the subway such as clinging on to the clothes of the six million daily riders or simply being washed down into the station. 

This article was interesting because of fact there was great diversity amongst bedbugs in New York City and that the reason behind this could be because they also ride the subway with us. Although not entirely surprising, it brings up a valid reason to watch your back next time you ride the subway.