An international team of researchers from the University of California (USA) and the University of Rome Tor Vergata  (Italy) has created synthetic genes that can be transformed into intracellular structures of modular blocks. The findings of the respective study were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Complex organisms develop from a single cell through continuous division and differentiation. Many biomolecules, which are coordinated by gene cascades that control the time and place of activation, participate in these processes.

Molecular signals trigger the assembly of gene sets in a specific order. For example, in fruit flies, this mechanism controls the formation of body segments.

In the aforesaid study, researchers used the DNA tiles’ building blocks, which are formed from several synthetic strands of DNA. Then they created a solution, forming micron-sized tubular structures.

The structures were formed only in the presence of a certain RNA molecule, which initiated the process. Another RNA trigger-molecule was also able to assemble the resulting structure.

Also, the researchers programmed various synthetic genes for signal RNAs at specific times. As a result, an artificial genetic cascade was obtained that can control the formation and degradation of DNA structures.

According to the researchers, their discovery can be used in synthetic biology, medicine, and biotechnology.