Biotech in the News

SCIENTISTS OBSERVE SINGLE GENE ACTIVITY IN LIVING CELLS IN DETAIL FOR FIRST TIME

In an unprecedented study performed by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, scientists were able to track the process of transcription for a single gene--in real time. In order to follow the mRNA, researchers first modified a gene in live yeast cells. After RNA transcribed from this gene, it bound a modified green fluorescent protein. The resulting expression allowed mRNA molecules to be visible under fluorescent light. 

This study monitored the activity of RNA polymerase, an enzyme that  links nucleotides in order to construct mRNA molecules. In this experiment, researchers were able to correctly identify and observe the three key steps involved in transcription: initiation, elongation, and termination. During the initiation step, proteins called transcription factors bind to the promoter region of the gene. During elongation, RNA polymerase lengthens mRNA by adding more nucleotides to the growing mRNA chain. Finally, during termination, mRNA is released from its DNA template, and eventually moves to the cell’s cytoplasm to serve as a protein blueprint.

According to Dr. Robert Singer, co-director and professor at the research institute, “initiation seems to be a random event that depends on the success of transcription factors searching through the yeast nucleus looking for a particular gene’s promoter region.” However, the second step in transcription, elongation, seems to follow an efficient and rather predictable route using RNA polymerase and free nucleotides.

According to Dr. Daniel Larson, head of Systems Biology of Gene Expression Section, “understanding how gene expression is regulated in a single-celled organism such as yeast is a first step in understanding the same processes in humans” as the “same molecular laws governing transcription factors will still apply.”

Because this study literally gives key insight into the process of transcription, its impact will be revolutionary. Further research in the area of transcription has the potential to improve current treatments against diseases that rely on RNA interference or other transcriptional/post-transcriptional modifying methods, especially cancer. As many know, cancer has been among the leading causes of death in America.

Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110421141636.htm

By Vikram Chandrashekhar and David Grand

Evening of the Arts 2011

Who said Biotech was all about science? In reality, art, in its many different forms, pulses through the veins of students at Biotechnology High School.

On Friday, April 1^st, the BTHS Art Club hosted its annual Evening of the Arts. Students, family, and friends were all invited to partake in the event, either as performers or simply as members of the audience. From soft melodies and classical music to original compositions and rock/pop, BTHS demonstrated relative expertise in all genres of music. Singers and musicians alike evinced that much of the BTHS family harbored innate musical talent. Amazing dancers, executing various types of choreography, were also part of the program. Moreover, guest stars of the event included Mr. Pinkus, Mr. Hercek and the VINettes, and Mr. Fusco for the finale.

In the hallway, spectators admired the visual artworks, like drawings and paintings, that were displayed throughout the locker banks and lobby, all of which were made with expertise. Artists had used charcoal, paint, ink, and even plain pencil to make the fantastic art that lined the halls.

As some attendees were “wow-ed” by the art surrounding them, others checked out the Senior Class Carnival. As long as their hands weren’t full of cotton candy and popcorn, attendees played various games and enjoyed making some crafts of their own. This year’s Evening of the Arts was definitely a night to remember!

By Alexa Avitto and NaYoung Yang