Life uses 4 DNA letters. Scientists just made 8 work
Researchers at UC San Diego have demonstrated that a key cellular enzyme can accurately read an eight-letter genetic alphabet, doubling the four letters used by all known life on Earth. Detailed imaging revealed that RNA polymerase handles synthetic DNA letters in surprisingly similar ways to natural ones. The finding brings scientists closer to building expanded genetic systems that could…
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have successfully demonstrated that one of biology's essential enzymes, RNA polymerase, can accurately read and transcribe an expanded genetic alphabet containing eight letters instead of the usual four. This breakthrough could pave the way for significant advancements in synthetic biology, enabling scientists to engineer biological systems with novel functions or produce unique compounds.
The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that RNA polymerase identifies synthetic DNA letters using similar biochemical and structural signals as it does with natural base pairs. This finding is crucial for understanding how cells can utilize their existing molecular machinery to handle synthetic genetic information, opening doors to various applications, such as the development of diagnostic tools, therapeutics, and engineered biological systems with capabilities beyond those found in nature.
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