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Unit 8.1 MiniDoc: The Human
Genome
Chemistry has had an important contribution to genome studies
by creating the basis for understanding the processes, which
underlie biological mechanisms.
Video program cues: 0:30-00:30 - 4:35 -4:35
Chemistry and gene composition
Link
- Homepage for the Human
Genome Project. Scroll down the page and click on
"Sequencing" or "Sequencing technologies"
to see more about this topic. This site has dozens of
resources.
Deciphering the human genome
"In 1987, when we got the first automated
DNA sequencer, that actually read DNA out into a computer
based on four fluorescent dyes which were attached to the
four chemical bases which form the DNA alphabet — that’s
when I decided that at some stage, I was going to set up
a factory and try to sequence the entire genome. This was
a very multi - disciplinary effort in areas in which I was
not an expert: I have never built a supercomputer before,
the mathematics were far beyond any training that I have
had, we had to develop all new lab procedures. We had everything
from physicists to computer engineers, to software engineers,
to molecular biologists, biologists, chemists; it’s
a pretty broad spectrum… and only because it was a
whole team that worked together, did it work."
Dr. J. Craig Venter
Former President, Celera Genomics
Links
Readings
Brennan, M. (2000)' A Great Day For The Human Genome, 'Chemical
& Engineering, News, Vol. 78, No. 27, pp: 4-5
Brennan, M. and Zurer, P. (2000)' Closing In On The Human
Genome, 'Chemical & Engineering, News, Vol. 78,
No. 3, p: 11.
Tissue engineering
"Our lab is essentially trying to grow
arteries in the laboratory, from a patient’s own cells,
which might be useful for bypass surgery. To grow these
vessels, what we are using is a bio-compatible, biodegradable
polymer, made from synthetic polyester called poly-glycolic
acid. In this incubator, we have a system, which mimics
the human body in many ways. Our goal is to take cells from
a patient, and grow them on biocompatible polymer scaffolding
in the lab, in the presence of certain biochemicals and
supporting protein and elements, to help the cells grow
and make proteins in the extra cellular matrix… We
are working on adding in a gene called telomerase into our
vascular cells, to try to make them essentially live longer
in the laboratory and to make them feel, instead of being
old cells from an old person, trick them into believing
that they are young cells from a young person. We found
that young cells grow better in the laboratory, make more
protein and form vessels better than old cells."
Dr. Laura
Niklason
Assistant Professors, Duke University Medical Center
Readings
Jacoby, M. (2001)' Custom-Made Biomaterials, 'Chemical
& Engineering News, Vol. 79, No. 6, pp: 30-35.
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