AI-designed DNA controls genes in healthy mammalian cells for first time
SMRTR summary
Artificial intelligence has taken a groundbreaking leap into the realm of biology, dreaming up DNA sequences that can control gene expression in living cells. Researchers at Barcelona's Centre for Genomic Regulation have created an AI tool that designs synthetic DNA fragments with custom instructions for cells.
"It's like writing software but for biology," explains Dr. Robert Frömel, the study's lead author. "We're giving instructions to a cell and guiding how they develop and behave with unprecedented accuracy."
The team tested their AI-generated DNA in mouse blood cells, successfully activating specific genes in targeted cell types. This breakthrough could revolutionize gene therapy, allowing scientists to fine-tune gene activity with pinpoint precision.
To train their AI, researchers conducted thousands of experiments, creating the largest library of synthetic enhancers in blood cells to date. The result: a powerful tool that speaks the language of cells, potentially ushering in a new era of personalized medicine.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Science Daily.
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