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Israel's Rosetta Genomics - cracking the RNA code
By Sharon Kanon May 22, 2005
... Most genomic research has been concerned with proteins, and the genes that encode proteins and turn them into cells of a certain type. The DNA region that encodes these proteins, however, constitutes only 2% of DNA. Up until two years ago, the other 98% of the genome was considered to serve no function. It was even known as 'junk DNA'.
"For 40 years, research has focused on protein encoding DNA, because it was assumed that all the rest was just there, serving no purpose," said Bentwich. "We focused our attention on a field that was rather neglected. The basic idea was to look for a new group of genes that did not encode proteins. The amazing thing is that we found them."
Bentwich calls what followed "a scientific earthquake."
... Rosetta Genomics has found a way of using advanced computer technology to reveal the encoding genes through the microRNA genes. This is now one of the hottest topics in biology. Published research in the field shows that these genes are linked to, and affect, a variety of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, anemia, and neurological disorders.
...Rosetta's other edge in the field is its computer system.
"Up until now, the conventional approach was biological, based on the removal of RNA from the cell. Our approach is innovative in that it identifies genes by computer, and only afterwards verifies their existence in a biological laboratory.
..."These treatments will be based on microRNA, which scientists until recently thought were junk genes. It is now clear to everyone that they are goldmines.
... It is utilizing scientific discoveries that have changed the previous paradigm. That's a revolution."
