Princeton Researchers Have Discovered a New Method to Reshape the Fabric of Life
Princeton researchers developed a light-based method to manipulate DNA, enabling precise chromosome repositioning and influencing gene expression, potentially aiding in treatments for diseases like cancer without altering DNA sequences.
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Princeton researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to manipulate DNA using light, enabling precise control over chromosome positioning within cells. This innovative technique allows scientists to influence gene expression and explore potential treatments for diseases like cancer without altering the DNA sequence itself. By utilizing light-activated droplets that can attach to specific DNA locations, the researchers can reposition genes, merging and shrinking droplets to bring distant genes into contact. Their findings reveal that chromosomes exhibit both elastic and fluid properties, which is crucial for understanding gene regulation. The study, published in the journal Cell, highlights the potential of this method to enhance our understanding of gene expression and the physical mechanisms underlying it. The researchers emphasize that while this tool does not edit DNA like CRISPR, it could be instrumental in addressing diseases related to protein imbalances by controlling gene expression through repositioning. This advancement represents a significant step in the field of biotechnology, offering new avenues for research and therapeutic strategies.
- Researchers at Princeton have created a method to manipulate DNA using light.
- The technique allows for precise repositioning of chromosomes without altering DNA sequences.
- This breakthrough could lead to new insights into gene expression and treatments for diseases like cancer.
- The method utilizes light-activated droplets that can attach to and move DNA strands.
- The research emphasizes the potential for controlling gene expression through physical manipulation of DNA.
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