Redefining the rules - widespread bidirectional transcription from prokaryotic promoters

所有生命形式都包含由它们的DNA编码的信息。像任何一套指令一样，DNA代码被分成几个特定的部分。每一节都提供了有关给定流程的信息，必须先阅读这些信息，然后才能使用。在细胞内，DNA的读数是一个精心控制的过程。例如，细胞不会随意打开它们的DNA“操作手册”。取而代之的是，细胞在开始读取DNA代码之前识别每个部分的开始。这是可能的，因为DNA代码包含指示DNA读取事件的“路标”。这些路标是在20世纪60年代发现的，一直被认为是向一个方向读取DNA；向后阅读似乎是不合逻辑的。我们最近的工作表明，路标本质上往往是对称的。因此，当细胞识别路标时，阅读的方向是模糊的。虽然这与直觉不符，但我们发现这发生在许多不同的生命形式中。在这项建议中，我们希望了解这一现象及其影响。我们的初步工作表明，细胞可以将这种对DNA的“双向”读取转化为自己的优势。我们的实验目标如下：1.了解对称DNA路标的工作原理。理解细胞中DNA双向读取的后果。了解远亲生命中对称的DNA路标。鉴于DNA在科学、社会和流行文化中的高度知名度，我们的工作具有巨大的社会经济影响潜力。对英国经济特别有利的是，有可能开发出能够更精确地控制DNA阅读事件的技术。为此，我们将与生物技术公司阿鲁鲁分子有限公司首席执行官罗宾·迪金森合作，寻找机会将我们的研究成果商业化。我们的工作将通过吸引下一代科学家和广大公众的参与来实现更广泛的社会效益。我们的社会经济影响目标如下：1.与阿鲁鲁分子有限公司合作，寻找商业化的机会。为对科学感兴趣的年轻人提供实验室经验，帮助他们迈出下一步。利用媒体让更广泛的公众参与，以提高对我们的研究和科学的总体认识。

All lifeforms embody the information encoded by their DNA. Like any set of instructions, the DNA code is divided into specific sections. Each section provides information about a given process and must be read before the information can be used. Inside cells, reading of the DNA is a carefully controlled. For instance, cells do not open their DNA "instruction manual" at random. Instead, cells identify the start of each section before reading of the DNA code commences. This is possible because the DNA code contains "signposts" to direct DNA reading events. These signposts were discovered in the 1960s and have always been assumed to direct reading of the DNA in one direction; it would seem illogical to read backwards. Our recent work has shown that the signposts are often symmetrical in nature. As such, when the cell recognises the signpost, the direction in which to read is ambiguous. Whilst counterintuitive, we have found that this occurs in many different lifeforms. In this proposal, we wish to understand the phenomenon and its impact. Our preliminary work suggests cells can turn this "bidirectional" reading of the DNA to their advantage. Our experimental aims are as follows: 1. Understand how symmetrical DNA signposts work.2. Understand the consequences of bidirectional reading of DNA in cells.3. Understand symmetrical DNA signposts in distantly related lifeforms.Given the high profile of DNA in science, society, and popular culture, our work has substantial potential for socio-economic impact. Of particular benefit to the UK economy is the potential to develop technologies that allow more precise control of DNA reading events. To this end, we will collaborate with Robin Dickinson, CEO Aruru Molecular LTD, a biotechnology company, to identify opportunities to exploit the results of our research commercially. The wider societal benefits of our work will be realised by engaging the next generation of scientists, and the public in general. Our socio-economic impact aims are as follows:1. Work with Aruru Molecular LTD to identify opportunities for commercialisation.2. Offer laboratory experience to young people interested in science to help them take the next step.3. Use the media to engage the wider public to raise awareness of our research and science in general.