Researchers at the University of Zurich have found a new substance for visualization and labeling of DNA synthesis in animals. This technique helps to recognize the cancer growth and viral infections sites as these tissues undergo constant DNA replication. This approach anticipates offering novel methods for drug development.
F-ara-Edu injected into Zebrafish eggs
Interactions of biological macromolecules form the bases of living systems. Synthesis of macromolecules is due to the integration of several small molecules. Understanding the synthesis of natural molecules like proteins and genetic materials (DNA) is the fundamental concept for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
The synthesis of biomolecules can be visualized in living organisms by adding small artificial molecules, which will be integrated by the cell’s biosynthetic machinery. Then these artificial unit- based biomolecules were fluorescently- labeled for detection.
At the University of Zurich, Anne Neef, a PhD student from the Institute of Organic Chemistry, developed a new substance by which the natural nucleoside thymidine can be replaced in DNA biosynthesis. With this fluorinated nucleoside called ‘F-ara-Edu’, the DNA is labeled without altering the genome function in living cells. F-ara-Edu is less toxic than the earlier compounds used for DNA labelling and it can be identified with better sensitivity. Hence, this new substance is ideally suited for experiments based on birth dating DNA synthesis inside the living organism. In order to demonstrate this strategy, F-ara-Edu was injected into Zebrafish eggs soon after fertilization. After the fish has been hatched, the first cells that experience differentiation in embryonic development could be detected explains Prof. Nathan Luedtke, Anne’s research advisor. He further says that the sites of cancerous growth and virus infection can be identified by visualizing the new DNA synthesis in whole animals, as these tissues possess abundance of DNA replication in them. This approach can be utilized for designing new strategies in drug development.