04.05.2010
Researchers develop new technology for controlling biological processes
Let there be light: Researchers at the University of Freiburg working with a team of Canadian colleagues have developed a pioneering method for the light-controlled production of cellular protein molecules. It is well known that the permanent process of cell division on which life itself depends, the specialisation of cells and their metabolic interactions all depend on correct gene expression – the reading of genes on the DNA and the related procedure of producing cellular protein molecules. Gene expression itself is controlled by transcription factors. Their degeneration usually results in pathological changes, such as cancer. A team of researchers based in Freiburg and led by Prof. Katja Arndt has now succeeded in constructing small protein fragments (inhibitors) which can be made to function “like a light switch” by other special protein molecules (linkers) to block incorrectly regulated gene expression. The new procedure has been published in the leading journal Angewandte Chemie, whose editors have classified it as a “hot paper”.
According to the Freiburg scientists the new basic research findings can be applied in many different biochemical processes. The molecular light switches could be extremely useful in synthetic biology and for system biologists. They could, for example, play a role in research into temporally controlled biological processes such as the “internal clock” in living things. In the medical field they could be used as lead structures for potential new therapeutic approaches.
