Researchers have made a tiny molecular-scale computer that can analyse
biological information in a test tube and respond appropriately. The device,
described in a paper published online by Nature this week, may aid the
development of microscopic biological computers that can operate within
cells.

Ehud Shapiro and colleagues have made an autonomous molecular
computer with the potential to analyse and control gene expression. The
device, which currently only operates in vitro, senses levels of specific
RNA molecules and responds by releasing a DNA molecule to suppress
expression of a particular gene. In this case, the computer is programmed to
identify and analyse the messenger RNA of genes that are linked to
small-cell lung cancer or prostate cancer. In turn, it releases DNA
molecules modelled on an anticancer drug.

Although still a very long way off, this DNA computer may be the
distant precursor to future 'smart drugs' that can roam the human body and
diagnose a diseased cell, tissue or organ and administer the appropriate
therapy on location. However, more prosaic application of this 'logical'
control of gene expression may be just around the corner.
CONTACT:
Ehud Shapiro (Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel)
Tel: +972 8 934 4506, E-mail: ehud.shapiro@weizmann.ac.il

There is a password-protected website with extra resources (including a
press release from the Weizmann Institute, visuals and a Q&A section)
available for journalists.
To access this, go to
http://www.weizmann.ac.il/udi/PressRoom

There will also be a symposium on Wednesday 28 April, where Prof. Shapiro
will be presenting his results under embargoed conditions at 12:55 London
time (BST) / 07:55 US Eastern time.
For more details, please go to the password-protected site.