2023-04-24 08:00:05
April 25 marks the world day of a single molecule, but not the least, DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. This event aims to commemorate two milestones in the history of biology, first the discovery of the DNA double helix in 1953 and then, more recently in 2003, the completion of the genome sequencing project. human. A look back at the history of this molecule unlike any other.
A world day for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
In 2023, the world dna day (deoxyribonucleic acid) will be the occasion to simultaneously celebrate two anniversaries for DNA, that of its discovery (the 70th anniversary) and that of the sequencing of the human genome (20th anniversary). The discovery of the DNA double helix, by James D. Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, marks a real turning point in the history of biology and medicine. Since then, DNA has continued to arouse the interest of thousands of scientists and doctors around the world, always on the lookout for new discoveries.
The discovery of the Double helix of DNA, support of genetic informationwas the founding event of a new discipline, molecular biology. In the 1970s, the acquisition of knowledge regarding DNA made it possible to develop technological and medical applications that revolutionized medicine. The first methods of sequencing and of cloning of DNA are developed and in 2003 will allow the completion of the human genome sequencing program. This program was the first international research effort, the Human Genome Project, for which countries joined forces.
World Day: from DNA to molecular biology
Why is DNA so important? It’s just the biological code transmitted from generation to generation and which allows each cell of the body to express the genes necessary for its proper functioning. DNA defines for each individual their gender, size, morphological characteristics (eye color, hair color and texture, etc.), but also their predisposition to certain pathologies (obesity, diabetes, cancers, etc.). DNA is the molecule that makes up chromosomeswhich form our genetic heritage, protected within the cell nucleus.
In reality, 99.9% of our DNA is common to all individuals, so the 0.1% is responsible for all the differences we observe between individuals, all genetically different (except homozygous twins). Advances in molecular biology have made it possible over the years to revolutionize:
- Forensic science, with DNA testing;
- The development of drugs and vaccines;
- The genetical therapy in the face of hereditary diseases;
- The personalized medicinewhich makes it possible to adapt treatments to the genetic profile of the patient.
From DNA to epigenetics, the interaction between genes and the environment
Each year, new discoveries advance these fields, including gene therapy and personalized medicine. In addition, scientists are going further and are now interested inepigenetics, that is, the interaction between genes and the environment. Environmental factors would be able to modify the structure of DNA, and thus activate or deactivate certain genes. This phenomenon explains in particular the differences observed between homozygous twins brought up in different environments.
Epigenetics is a booming field of research and might provide a better understanding of certain chronic pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus or cancer. World DNA Day thus marks the occasion to take stock of new discoveries in molecular biology and the resulting medical advances.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
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