Green Fluorescent Protein Biosensors Used to Detect Temperature in Thermal Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the one of the requirements to life. This property is occurring continuously in all living things. Specifically in warm blood animals, thermal homeostasis regulates body temperature. Scientists are interested in the measuring the heat generated from metabolic processes. However, it was not possible to measure the heat generated until researchers created a recombinant fusion protein. This kind of protein was created through genetic engineering a fusion gene, combining TIpA (a protein found in Salmonella) and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). TIpA can detect heat changes and attach to the region in the cell while GFP emits green fluorescence. By taking advantage of TIpA's behavior under different temperatures and GFP's ability to fluoresce, the researchers were able to differentiate between hot and cooler temperatures within the cell. According to Principal researcher Yasuo Mori, the next step of the research is to apply it to living model organisms.

Mechanism of TIpA in Hold and Cold Temperatures

Homeostasis is one of the fundamental processes that a living thing undergoes. To understand this process more can help human beings understand the building blocks on life. Sure, this study is only looking for temperature changes, however, I believe that with genetic engineering, other proteins can be developed to track other elements of homeostasis. By further understanding this  process, benefits could be seen to help people who have trouble regulating parts of homeostasis. One must also take into consideration that this is a very early study. But nonetheless, it has the potential to detail the steps taken within homeostasis and help scientists further understand this complex process.  

Unexpected New Way To Produce Nylon Discovered During Cancer Research

At the Duke cancer institute, a study was  performed on genetic changes in healthy cells that turn cancerous, when Dr. Reitman and his colleagues thought of a new use for an altered enzyme produced by a genetically mutated brain cell. They believed that the same genetic mutation that has been seen in cancer cells could be used to alter a  similar enzyme to the one under study. This enzyme, that is found in bacteria and yeast, can produce 2-hydroxyadipate dehydrogenase. The enzyme 2-hydroxyadipate dehydrogenase is essential for the synthesis of adipic acid. 2-hydroxyadipate dehydrogenase has been long sought to be able to perform green production of nylon. As of now, adipic acid is created using fossil fuels and creates N2O, which is a lead producer to global warming. Dr.Reitman and his colleagues were able to apply their observation of a genetic mutation into being able to produce adipic acids from simple sugars. Sequencing cancer genome allowed for the discovery of  new enzyme functions.

With a society that is pushing for green alternatives, it is always with great pleasure to learn of alternatives to use of fossil fuels and prevention of the environmentally harming N2O . Not only would this help the environment from man's giant carbon footprint, it would also help to conserve one of man's precious resources. Adipic acid is one of the most widely used chemicals in the world and its production is genuinely considered one of the leading causes of global warning. I believe any findings of alternatives for fossil fuels should be investigated to its maximum potential. I find it fascinating that cancer genome research was able to lead to green chemistry. This article shows the usefulness that genetic research creates outside of the typically thought of medical and agricultural fields.