Scientists at The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), have developed some very interesting and new news. This study led an international effort to build a map that shows in detail how the human genome is modified during embryonic development. This is how the genetic code in humans is changed or modified in the pre-birth state. This detailed mapping is a significant move towards the success of targeted differentiation of stem cells into specific organs, which is a crucial consideration for stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy in pre-natal embryos is and interesting forefront which could in time have the power to cure or determine genetic disorders in embryos. Scientists mapped a major component of the epigenome, DNA methylation, for the entire sequence of human DNA, and went further by comparing three types of cells that represented three stages of human development: human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic stem cells that were differentiated into skin-like cells, and cells derived from skin. With these comprehensive DNA methylome maps, scientists now have a blueprint of key epigenetic signatures associated with differentiation. DNA methylation causes specific subunits of DNA to be chemically modified, which controls which areas of the genome are active and which ones are dormant. DNA methylation is critical to the process in which embryonic cells change from "pluripotent stem cells," which have the ability to turn into hundreds of cell types, to "differentiated cells," distinct types of cells that make up different parts of the body, such as the skin, hair, nerves, etc. In reviewing the data produced by the study scientists were able to identify previously unknown patterns of DNA methylation. They identified cases in which DNA methylation appeared to enhance, rather than repress, the activity of the surrounding DNA, and found evidence to suggest a role for DNA methylation in the regulation of mRNA splicing.
4 comments:
The summery was well presented giving specifics and not leaving cliff hangers. The topic was fascinating, especially since it is related somewhat to what we are learning in class about DNA, just in a more advanced stage. The summary also showed a time line, cause and effect. "With these comprehensive DNA...maps, scientists now have a blueprint..."
There truely is not much that Charlie could have done better, it really seems he has covered all points of critisim, but since I am required to give some critic, I will say that he could explain what mRNA splicing is, just to give a simple and general definition for those who don't know.
This summery was really interesting and it allowed me to learn more about stem cell research through topic of Stem Cell Therapy. It is enjoyable for me to learn about this, because it is becoming a popular subject of conversation in our current time.
One thing I liked about this review was it gave specific places that the scientists worked instead vaguely referring to the group of researches as “scientists”. Another good aspect was it explained what embryonic development was. The final aspect I enjoyed was how it explained what and how the scientists mapped out the human genome after this development. One thing that could have been improved was it could have explained what specific types of DNA are changed by methylation. Another aspect that could have been improved was it could have given an example where DNA methylation improved the surrounding DNA. One thing I learned was DNA methylation can be used in mRNA splicing.
A few things I found interesting were that scientists may be able to stop genetic disorders in embryos before they develop. I also though that the DNA methylation which can change into any cells needed in the body from the pluripotent stem cells. Finally I liked how the he explained how they have mapped the changes that are made in the human genome during embryonic development.
Two things I would suggest would be to explain the three types of cells in the human development stages a little bit more clearly. I would also suggest to explain the role of DNA methylation in mRNA splicing.
One aspect which I wasn't aware of was the ability for pre-natal embryos to cure genetic disorders.
This overview was extremely was presented and well written. I enjoyed the articles reference to spcific groups respnsible for the recent innovations. It was intruging to learn about the possible elimination of genetic disorders. Also the article did a great job of telling the reader how these new finding came about.One thing that could have been better is listing of the types of Dna altered. In addition a further to what exactly methylation does would have been nice. Overall I think charlie did a great job on the article.
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