Published two "NAR" in a row, artificial chromosome research provides new ideas for gene therapy

The results of this research have been published back-to-back in two papers in the influential scientific journal Nucleic Acids Research

What are artificial chromosomes and why are they the key to future medicine?

In essence, our DNA is carefully packaged by proteins to form chromatin

Among the useful applications of artificial chromosomes, one of the most exciting prospects is gene therapy

Just like in life, in order to manipulate something, we must first understand it

How new chromosomes are formed and maintained, and the importance of centromeres

In an ordinary human body, almost two trillion cells divide every day

During cell division, the centromere is an important factor to ensure reliable inheritance of chromosomes

The centromere is a special area on each chromosome that connects the chromosomes to the spindle microtubules and coordinates the separation of chromosomes during each cell division

In order to conduct research on centromere formation, Dr.

To further study this unique characteristic, the team developed an in vivo fluorescence system that can visualize artificial chromosomes in real time

The current research on artificial chromosomes provides new insights into the chromosomal processes required for the formation of new centromeres and the maintenance of chromosomes

Using these methods, we can now observe and systematically compare how a new centromere is established on artificial chromosomes and how an existing centromere is maintained on the endogenous chromosomes of nematodes

Can artificial chromosomes in nematodes be the answer to gene therapy?

Finally, what is the relationship between nematodes and humans? Although the sequence of genes on the chromosomes may be the same in different closely related species, the relocation of centromeres will also occur during evolution

1. Zhongyang Lin, Yichun Xie, Wenyan Nong, Xiaoliang Ren, Runsheng Li, Zhongying Zhao, Jerome Ho Lam Hui, Karen Wing Yee Yuen.

   
   

2. Zhongyang Lin, Karen Wing Yee Yuen.