The mysteries of DNA origami unfolded
14 Oct 2015 by Evoluted New Media
Scientists have found that the assembly of DNA into nanostructures follows distinct pathways rather than random ones.
Scientists have found that the assembly of DNA into nanostructures follows distinct pathways rather than random ones.
Physicists at the University of York studied DNA origami – a technique that uses DNA to build inanimate physical structures at the nanoscale – and discovered that DNA strands could not only self-assemble, but in doing so, they follow distinct and identifiable pathways.
Research leader Dr Katherine Dunn said: “My work at Oxford shed light on the self-assembly of DNA origami, and understanding this process is a significant breakthrough because it could enable the development of more sophisticated DNA nanostructures for specific purposes.”
In the study, published in the journal Nature, the team studied a model system that consists of a structure capable of folding into many different configurations. By using a specialised image processing system to look at the range of possible shapes, they found that there are preferred folding pathways for these structures and that assembly is not random.
“Here we present a DNA origami system with the unusual property of being able to form a small set of distinguishable and well-folded shapes,” the researchers said in their paper.
The team also found evidence for co-operation between DNA strands and showed that they can influence each other during assembly. Their data proved that minor modifications to the components could be used to significantly alter the formation of nanostructures.
The scientists believe that their discovery will allow them to exert more control over DNA assembly and as a result may radically improve the overall success of DNA origami.
“Expanding the rational design process to include the assembly pathway should thus enable more reproducible synthesis, particularly when targeting more complex structures. We anticipate that this expansion will be essential if DNA origami is to continue its rapid development and become a reliable manufacturing technology,” the scientists concluded in their paper.
Next, the team will study how the characteristics of DNA machines change when they are immobilised on a surface. They will also work towards their integration with conventional electronics and their potential use as components of bio-inspired computing systems.
Paper: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature14860.html
