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NASA Scientists Study Gene Functions To Treat Diseases
Moffett Field CA (SPX) Aug 05, 2004 NASA scientists have discovered a way to identify the gene functions of all of an organism's genes simultaneously by using unique DNA sequences or 'bar codes.' Scientists at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., found that newly validated sequences of synthetic DNA tags, called molecular barcodes, can now be used to accurately characterize gene functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's yeast. "This new approach will enable researchers to study yeast genes," said Dr. Viktor Stolc, director of the Genome Research Facility at NASA Ames. "Using molecular barcodes helps us understand gene functions under any environmental condition, including the microgravity and radiation of space flight. This technique allows scientists for the first time to unambiguously identify all yeast gene functions in parallel." DNA sequences are the exact order of the four chemical building blocks that make up an organism's DNA. Scientists can track cell growth by attaching short, unique DNA tags to a glass slide with many different DNA sequences that are complementary in sequence to DNA molecular barcodes derived from a biological sample. "Understanding yeast gene functions can ultimately result in treatment of human diseases, as many yeast genes have similar functions in human cells," Stolc added. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links NASA Ames Research Center SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Space Medicine Technology and Systems
Genomic Sequences Processed In Minutes, Rather Than Weeks
Richland WA (SPX) Jun 22, 2005A new computational tool developed at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is speeding up our understanding of the machinery of life - bringing us one step closer to curing diseases, finding safer ways to clean the environment and protecting the country against biological threats. |
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