A UC Irvine-led team has engineered a new enzyme, 10-92, that synthesizes threose nucleic acid (TNA), a stable alternative to DNA. This advancement could enhance therapeutic options for cancer and various diseases. Published in Nature Catalysis, this research addresses previous challenges in enzyme design, paving the way for future drug development.
A pioneering research team at the University of California, Irvine has achieved a breakthrough in synthetic biology by engineering a novel enzyme, 10-92, capable of producing an innovative genetic material known as threose nucleic acid (TNA). Characterized by its superior stability compared to DNA, TNA holds the potential to revolutionize therapeutic approaches toward cancer and various diseases such as autoimmune, metabolic, and infectious conditions. The findings, published in Nature Catalysis, detail the method of creating this enzyme, which successfully addresses challenges in previous synthesis techniques, bringing scientists closer to mimicking natural processes of genetic synthesis.
To create the 10-92 TNA polymerase, the research team employed homologous recombination to piece together polymerase fragments from related archaebacterial species. Through iterative cycles of targeted evolution, they identified highly active polymerase variants, culminating in one resembling natural enzymes. This development not only marks a significant leap in enzyme technology but also unlocks fresh avenues for drug creation.
Reflecting on the implications of their work, John Chaput, UC Irvine professor of pharmaceutical sciences, remarked, “This achievement represents a major milestone in the evolution of synthetic biology and opens up exciting possibilities for new therapeutic applications by significantly narrowing the performance gap between natural and artificial enzyme systems.”
With TNA’s enhanced durability against enzymatic degradation, it stands as an ideal candidate for new therapeutic designs, like therapeutic aptamers, which could outperform traditional antibodies. Such innovations promise broader applicability in treatments, potentially transforming the landscape of modern medicine. The team included numerous talented students and researchers, all unified by a quest to shape the future of synthetic therapeutics.
The project was supported by the National Science Foundation, and a patent application has already been filed for the novel enzyme. As UC Irvine continues its commitment to educational excellence and groundbreaking research, it positions itself at the forefront of the biomedical revolution, inspired by visions of a healthier tomorrow.
Synthetic biology is an evolving field that merges biology with engineering principles, aiming to create novel biological systems or redesign existing ones for useful purposes. By developing new enzymes and synthetic genetic materials, researchers can create targeted therapies that are more effective and resilient than traditional drugs. Threose nucleic acid (TNA) is a synthetic alternative to DNA, known for its enhanced stability, which allows for a broader range of therapeutic applications. This breakthrough work is indicative of the growing capabilities within the realm of biochemistry and genetic engineering, potentially leading to treatments that address significant global health challenges.
The development of the 10-92 TNA polymerase signifies a significant advance in synthetic biology, offering promising new directions in drug design and development. By enabling the synthesis of stable threose nucleic acids, this innovation opens doors to more effective therapies for a myriad of health conditions while narrowing the gap between synthetic and natural enzymatic processes. As researchers continue to explore the potentials of TNA, the future of medicine looks more innovative and hopeful than ever.
Original Source: news.uci.edu
