NEWSRESEARCH
Onboard sequencing makes it possible for the crew to know what is in their environment at any time.”
During the test, Rubins used a MinION DNA sequencer from Oxford Nanopore Technologies. It works by sending a positive current through nanopores embedded in membranes in the device. Fluid with a DNA sample then simultaneously passes through the device. Single DNA molecules partially block the nanopores, changing the current for that specific DNA sequence and allowing them to be identified.
DNA SUCCESSFULLY SEQUENCED IN SPACE
FOR FIRST TIME DNA has been sequenced in space for the first time ever, in what some scientists have called a ‘game changer’ for the industry.
As part of the Biomolecule Sequencer experiment, astronaut Kate Rubins, who has a background in molecular biology, carried out the test on the International Space Station, while researchers sequenced identical samples on Earth. After the first molecules were sequenced, her first words
GENE THERAPY TRIAL FINDS REDUCTION IN
ALZHEIMER’S SYMPTOMS Researchers at Imperial College London have revealed results of a successful trial injecting viruses into mice to reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers used a modified virus to deliver the PGC-1 gene to brain cells in animal studies. Previous studies have suggested that the PGC-1 alpha gene, responsible for regulating sugar and fat metabolism in the body, could prevent the formation of amyloid-beta peptide – a precursor to Alzheimer’s.
Dr Magdalena Sastre, from the Department of Medicine at Imperial, and senior author, said: “Although these findings are very early, they suggest this gene therapy may have potential therapeutic use for patients.
6 | Tomorrow’s Laboratories
were: “Welcome to systems biology in space.”
Carrying out DNA sequencing in space could protect astronauts’ health on long-term missions, while potentially identifying DNA-based life forms found outside of Earth. Sequencing DNA in space therefore opens up a wide range of science and medical possibilities, which is why some regard this as a ‘game changer’.
Sarah Castro-Wallace, Project Manager and NASA microbiologist, said: “A next step is to test the entire process in space, including sample preparation as well as performing the sequencing.
“There are many hurdles to overcome, and at the moment the only way to deliver the gene is via an injection directly into the brain. However, this proof of concept study shows this approach warrants further investigation.”
The modified virus used in the experiments was lentivirus vector, commonly used in gene therapy. It was injected into the hippocampus and cortex of the mice – the first two areas to develop amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s.
The hippocampus is responsible for short-term memory and orientation, while the cortex is responsible for long-term memory, reasoning, thinking and mood.
The research found that mice that received the gene treatment had less amyloid plaques than those that did
The tests were set up to ensure that spaceflight conditions were the only variables in the experiment, while the samples were prepared on Earth with organisms with known DNA sequences, to ensure scientists expected certain results.
Castro-Wallace added: “Onboard sequencing allows us on the ground to take appropriate action – do we need to clean this up right away, or will taking antibiotics help or not? We can resupply the station with disinfectants and antibiotics now, but once crews move beyond the station’s low Earth orbit, we need to know when to save those precious resources and when to use them.”
not, and that no loss of brain cells in the hippocampus was observed in mice that received the injection. Scientists also, rather unexpectedly, noticed a reduced number of glial cells in these mice. This is important as these cells release inflammatory substances that further cell damage in Alzheimer’s sufferers.
While these injections were given directly to the area of treatment, researchers are hopeful that there is a way to turn these trials into human treatment.
Dr Sastre added: “In a disease that urgently needs new options for patients, this work provides hope for future therapies.”
The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
www.tomorrowslaboratories.com
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