The highest resolution images of a single molecule of DNA ever captured were taken by a team of scientists, and show atoms ‘dancing’ as they spin and showering.
Researchers from the universities of Sheffield, Leeds and York combined an advanced atomic microscope with supercomputer simulations to create videos of the molecules.
The resolution along with the symbols allows the team to map the movement and position of each individual atom within a single layer of DNA.
Seeing DNA in such detail could help accelerate the development of new gene therapies, according to the British team behind the study.
Researchers from the universities of Sheffield, Leeds and York combined an advanced atomic microscope with supercomputer simulations to create videos of the molecules
The film shows in detail how it has never been seen how the stresses and rays applied to DNA when it is circulated inside cells can change shape.
Previously, scientists were only able to see DNA using microscopes that are limited to taking static images, video shows the movement of atoms.
Images are so detailed that it is possible to see the double helical structure of a DNA image, but when combined with the symbols, the researchers were able to see the position of each atom in the DNA and how it twists and turns. a shower.
Every human cell has two meters of DNA and to get into our cells it has evolved to turn, turn, and cock itself up.
That means loopy DNA is ubiquitous in the genome, creating complex structures that exhibit more dynamic behaviors than their relaxed counterparts.
The team looked at DNA minicircles, which are unique in that the molecule is connected at each end to form a loop.
This loop allowed the researchers to further twist the DNA minicircles, making the DNA dance stronger.
When the researchers drew a picture of slow DNA, with no twist, they saw that it did very little.
However, when they gave the DNA a further twist, it suddenly became much more vibrant and can be seen to be adopting very unusual shapes.
These exotic dance moves have been found to be the best way to find binding partners for the DNA, because when they adopt a wider range of shapes, more combinations of other molecules find it attractive.
Images are so detailed that it is possible to see the double helical structure of a DNA image, but when combined with the symbols, the researchers were able to see the position of each atom in the DNA and how it twists and turns. showering
These exotic dance moves have been found to be the best way to find binding partners for the DNA, because when they adopt a wider range of shapes, more combinations of other molecules find it attractive.
Previous research from Stanford suggests that DNA minicircles are potential indicators of health and age and may be early signs of disease.
Because the DNA minicircles can twist and bend, they can also be quite complex.
Examining DNA in such detail could accelerate the development of new gene therapies by using as complex and tight DNA rings as possible to the entrance of cells.
Dr Alice Pyne, Lecturer in Polymers & Soft Matter at the University of Sheffield, who took the photos, said: ‘Seeing is believable, but with something as small as DNA, he was seeing the helical structure of the molecule All DNA very challenging.
‘The videos we developed allow us to watch DNA transitions to a level of detail that has never been seen before.’
Previous Stanford research suggests that DNA minicircles are potential indicators of health and age and may be early signs of disease
Examining DNA in such detail could accelerate the development of new gene therapies by using as complex and tight DNA rings as possible to the entrance of cells.
The work was important by Professor Lynn Zechiedrich of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas, USA, who performed the DNA minicircles used in the study.
‘They show, with astonishing precision, how gloomy, bent, crooked, unnatural and strange a shape they hope they will ever be able to control.’
Dr Sarah Harris from the University of Leeds, who led the research, said the work showed that the laws of physics apply more to the tiny curved DNA than they do to subatomic particles. and whole galleries.
‘We can use supercomputers to understand the physics of complex DNA. This should help researchers design specific minicircles for future treatments. ‘
The study, Combining high-resolution atomic force microscopy with molecular dynamics simulations shows that DNA supercoiling induces kinks and defects that increase flexibility and recognition, published in Nature Communications.