Redefining the rules - widespread bidirectional transcription from prokaryotic promoters

所有的生命形式都体现了由它们的DNA编码的信息。就像任何一组指令一样，DNA代码被分成特定的部分。每一节都提供了关于给定过程的信息，必须在使用这些信息之前阅读。在细胞内，DNA的阅读是一个仔细控制的过程。例如，细胞不会随意打开它们的DNA“指令手册”。相反，细胞在阅读DNA代码开始之前识别每个部分的开始。这是可能的，因为DNA代码包含“路标”来指导DNA阅读事件。这些路标是在20世纪60年代发现的，一直被认为是将DNA的阅读指向一个方向;向后读取似乎不合逻辑。我们最近的研究表明，路标在性质上往往是对称的。因此，当细胞识别路标时，读取的方向是模糊的。虽然违反直觉，但我们发现这发生在许多不同的生命形式中。在本提案中，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”阅读转化为它们的优势。我们的实验目的如下：1.了解对称的DNA路标是如何工作的。理解细胞中DNA双向阅读的后果.了解远亲生命形式中的对称DNA标志。鉴于DNA在科学、社会和流行文化中的重要性，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开发允许更精确地控制DNA阅读事件的技术的潜力。为此，我们将与生物技术公司Aruru Molecular LTD的首席执行官Robin Dickinson合作，以确定将我们的研究成果商业化的机会。我们工作的更广泛的社会效益将通过吸引下一代科学家和公众来实现。我们的社会经济影响目标如下：1。与Aruru Molecular LTD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，以提高我们的研究和科学的认识。

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.