Another Twist in the Story of Life

Shy of the April 60^th anniversary of Watson and Crick revolutionary paper which explained the ‘double helix’ DNA structure, Cambridge researchers have yet again rewritten how we understand the world around us.  The University of Cambridge’s Department of Chemistry and Cambridge Research Institute, led by Giulia Biffi, was the group researching for the past ten years to prove the “existence of four-stranded ‘quadruple helix’ DNA structures – known as G-quadruples (in the human genome).”

So what does this mean for the future expansion in understanding the human genome?

Well, personally, I am skeptical about the ability to write the human genome for under 1 K if scientists are STILL finding additional regions of DNA.   Even though, for the past 60 years the structure has been “solved” scientists are proving that DNA is not as “easily” structured as initially thought.  Some of this development clearly relate to the improvement of technology as well as techniques in the lab involving understanding the DNA structure.  Originally the qaudruplex was found in a test tube, a vacuum, and was considered not to be a feature founded in nature or in living human cells.

Scientists believe that G-quadruples occur when a cell rapidly reproduces – a cancerous cell –possibly.  By linking this feature, scientists can target the cells to hopefully cure cancer.  They would like to use the unusual structure of the G-DNA to trap tumorous cells as they see a connection and opportunity to have the ability to stop these cells from dividing.   

However, I also understand that the general public cannot truly grasp what a quadruple helix in someone’s DNA exactly means.  The Race for the Double Helix, a 1987 TV movie, document Watson and Crick’s race to unlock the secret structure of DNA.  I feel like this showcases the lack of public understanding of science.  The public really does not care for figured it out nor do they grasp the political undercurrents and tension that stems from scientific discoveries.  With the basic public understanding of science plus I feel that social norms might reject the manipulation of one’s DNA, just like the mosquitoes in the “Mosquito Solution” article, because the impacts are unknown.  I understand that the alternative attempts to cure cancer are not really having been shot done as the families are usually willing to try anything. 

All in all, it is incredible to comprehend the possible outcomes by this discovery and what that can mean for the future of cancer treatment, other applications for life and how or if the social culture changes with this advancement in both science and technology.

Researchers have shown that four-stranded 'quadruple helix' DNA structures -- known as G-quadruplexes -- exist within the human genome. (Credit: Jean-Paul Rodriguez and Giulia Biffi)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130120150033.htm

Angela