Results: Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich genetically engineered a molecular oscillator that turned the production of a fluorescent protein in a hamster cell on and off every two to three hours for more than 20 hours. Changing the amount of DNA added to the cells varied the frequency of the oscillations.rnWhy it matters: Genetic oscillators could have numerous applications in genetic engineering and drug delivery. The clock might be adapted to deliver a protein drug; the frequency and amplitude of the oscillations would determine the dose of the drug and how often it was delivered. The findings may also help scientists understand the molecular clocks mediating numerous biological functions, such as circadian rhythm.
展开▼
