Use of new microscope technology could revolutionize the treatment of cancer

For the first time, scientists are analyzing images of how the DNA code is read out

Researchers have now for the first time revealed some amazing images of DNA codes that actually show in real time how it was read and transcribed. This allowed the experts to closely monitor and analyze this process. Understanding the subtleties of the process could in the future lead to new effective ways of fighting cancer.

Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have now succeeded in analyzing novel images of reading the DNA code. This could help to develop new ways and means of treating cancer in the future. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Nature".

A new kind of microscope technology allows the study of complex processes in the formation of proteins. In the future, for example, this could lead to new treatments for cancer. (Image: science photo / fotolia.com)

Better understanding of the process of protein formation

Watching human DNA read and decoded is an important step forward. This helps to understand by which process certain proteins are formed. This process goes through all animals and plants and is often associated with cancer.

Used microscope technology won the Nobel Prize last year

Using the same incredible microscope technology that won the Nobel Prize last year, scientists from the Institute of Cancer Research in London observed a piece of molecular machinery called RNA polymerase III transcribing a gene. The so-called RNA polymerase III is a crucial component in complex life, say the medical profession. The process can accelerate cancer by producing a larger number of building blocks, which the cancer needs for propagation, the researchers explain.

The technique used allows new drugs to be developed

Now researchers can better understand how the different components of this crucial molecular mechanism work together. Perhaps the new knowledge will enable the development of drugs in the future that will turn the system on or off. Alessandro Vannini from the Institute of Cancer Research. This could lead to a completely new kind of cancer treatment, the expert adds.

New electron microscope uses the freezing of samples

The research team was able to view the DNA with a brand new electron microscope called Cryo-EM. Cryo-EM works by freezing and then imaging samples at -180 ° C to preserve even the smallest details of protein forms, scientists say. The created images can then be processed into precise 3D models, which can be combined. Or scientists can analyze step by step how DNA is read and translated into action.

Fundamental understanding of biological systems could lead to new cancer therapies

By using Cryo-EM, knowledge about the structure and behavior of biological molecules is rapidly evolving, say the experts. The current discovery shows how a fundamental understanding of biological systems can open up the potential for the development of potential new cancer therapies. Cryo-EM is so strong that it can accommodate even the smallest molecules, which are only about five nanometers in size. This incredible new advancement in DNA decoding will increase the understanding of disease and potentially lead to life-saving treatments, including new ways to fight cancer, the medical profession speculates. (As)