Canadian Scientists Recreate and Confirm Two Molecular Languages
Canadian scientists from the University of Montreal have successfully recreated and mathematically confirmed two molecular languages that form the basis of life. These groundbreaking discoveries, published in the journal American Chemical Society, have significant implications for nanotechnology development in various fields such as bioaders, drug delivery, and molecular visualization.
According to Professor Aleksis Valle Belize, the head of the study and a professor of bioengineering at UDEM, “The key to the emergence of life consists in the development of molecular languages that ensure the interaction of molecules in living organisms to perform certain tasks.”
One of the well-known molecular languages is allosteria, which functions as a “castle and key” mechanism. In this language, a molecule binds to and modifies the structure of another molecule, directing it to activate or inhibit certain activities.
Another, less well-known molecular language is irregularity, also known as the lentite effect. It operates as a puzzle, where the binding of one molecule to another facilitates or hinders the binding of a third molecule by increasing the surface of its binding site.
While these two languages are observed in all molecular systems of living organisms, it is only recently that scientists have begun to understand their rules and principles. This understanding allows them to leverage these languages in the development and programming of new artificial nanotechnologies.
In order to study both languages, graduate student Dominic Lozon created a DNA molecular system capable of functioning in both languages. Lozon compared DNA to a “LEGO designer for nanoinscenters.”
The researchers discovered that both languages could be described using simple mathematical equations, revealing the parameters and rules for programming molecule communication at the nano level.
Utilizing this newfound knowledge, the scientists employed the concept of multidentate to create a programmable antibody sensor capable of determining antibody concentrations. Professor Valle Belize stated, “As the recent pandemic showed, our ability to accurately determine the concentration of antibodies in the population is a powerful tool for assessing individual and collective immunity.”
Furthermore, these scientific discoveries may shed light on why certain natural systems prefer one language over another when transmitting chemical information. This opens up new avenues for