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科学美国人60秒 SSS 吸入核糖核酸可能有助于治疗囊性纤维病

时间:2019-12-10 07:01:14

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(单词翻译)

 

This is Scientific American — 60-Second Science. I'm Christopher Intagliata.

Your genome is sort of like a library — with each gene1 an instruction manual for making proteins. Bad news is, you can't return a book and take out a new edition. But the technique of gene therapy allows you to revise your copy of the book, so to speak...giving you the ability, potentially, to make new and different proteins.

Now scientists have experimented with a new way to make text revisions — by inhaling2 the changes. They tested the concept by having mice breathe in genetic3 material called messenger RNA, or mRNA. For the test, the mRNA included instructions to manufacture luciferase — the stuff that lights up in fireflies.

The researchers packaged the mRNA with a degradable polymer, to trick the mice's lung cells into accepting the package. And once the cells gobbled it up, they began to glow — proving that inhaling mRNA is an effective way to kick-start the production of new and novel proteins, like the firefly enzyme4.

The scientists also repeated the experiment in mice whose cells had been genetically5 engineered to turn permanently6 red if they received a copy of mRNA — making it possible to count the proportion of cells affected7 by a dose. The proof of concept is in the journal Advanced Materials.

Of course, the point isn't to make mice glow. Instead, one idea is to use this technique to help cystic fibrosis patients. Because people with CF have a genetic mutation8 that causes a buildup of sticky mucus in their lungs. Several of the study authors work with a publicly traded biotech company called Translate Bio, which is conducting phase 1 and 2 trials to determine if inhaling messenger RNA could provide a genetic fix for cystic fibrosis. Regardless of the particular case of CF, the luciferase example shows that inhalation genetic therapy could be an inspiration.

Thanks for listening for Scientific American — 60-Second Science. I'm Christopher Intagliata.


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1 gene WgKxx     
n.遗传因子,基因
参考例句:
  • A single gene may have many effects.单一基因可能具有很多种效应。
  • The targeting of gene therapy has been paid close attention.其中基因治疗的靶向性是值得密切关注的问题之一。
2 inhaling 20098cce0f51e7ae5171c97d7853194a     
v.吸入( inhale的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • He was treated for the effects of inhaling smoke. 他因吸入烟尘而接受治疗。 来自辞典例句
  • The long-term effects of inhaling contaminated air is unknown. 长期吸入被污染空气的影响还无从知晓。 来自互联网
3 genetic PgIxp     
adj.遗传的,遗传学的
参考例句:
  • It's very difficult to treat genetic diseases.遗传性疾病治疗起来很困难。
  • Each daughter cell can receive a full complement of the genetic information.每个子细胞可以收到遗传信息的一个完全补偿物。
4 enzyme cPozF     
n.酵素,酶
参考例句:
  • Above a certain temperature,the enzyme molecule will become unfolded.超过一定温度,酶分子将会展开。
  • An enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots.能溶解血凝块中的纤维的酶。
5 genetically Lgixo     
adv.遗传上
参考例句:
  • All the bees in the colony are genetically related. 同一群体的蜜蜂都有亲缘关系。
  • Genetically modified foods have already arrived on American dinner tables. 经基因改造加工过的食物已端上了美国人的餐桌。 来自英汉非文学 - 生命科学 - 基因与食物
6 permanently KluzuU     
adv.永恒地,永久地,固定不变地
参考例句:
  • The accident left him permanently scarred.那次事故给他留下了永久的伤疤。
  • The ship is now permanently moored on the Thames in London.该船现在永久地停泊在伦敦泰晤士河边。
7 affected TzUzg0     
adj.不自然的,假装的
参考例句:
  • She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
  • His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。
8 mutation t1PyM     
n.变化,变异,转变
参考例句:
  • People who have this mutation need less sleep than others.有这种突变的人需要的睡眠比其他人少。
  • So far the discussion has centered entirely around mutation in the strict sense.到目前为止,严格来讲,讨论完全集中于围绕突变问题上。

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