Drugs that target specific sequences of DNA in the human genome may be close.
Peter Dervan and his colleagues at the California Institute of Technology have
synthesised a molecule that binds to a specific sequence of DNA 16 base pairs
long, the shortest sequence that should be unique in the human genome (
Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol 120, p 3434). He had
previously only been able to block sequences of seven pairs. If the molecules
can inhibit DNA expression, they could be used as drugs, for example to block
the spread of viruses.
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Life
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
Features
Health
Sperm have been made magnetic to allow IVF inside the body
News
Health
The social media ban is an experiment – here’s how it will be studied
News
Technology
Inside the start-up aiming for a giant leap in robot intelligence
News
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
We may have finally solved cosmology's chicken-or-the-egg problem
2
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
3
Vaping after quitting smoking is linked to lung cancer
4
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
5
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
6
Â鶹´«Ã½ recommends a brilliant take on the evolution of birds
7
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
8
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy
9
Is consciousness more fundamental to reality than quantum physics?
10
How I used psychology to come back from the worst year of my life
