Scientists have demonstrated that RNA polymerase can accurately read and transcribe a synthetic genetic alphabet containing eight letters instead of the standard four.
Key facts
- •The study, led by Dr. Dong Wang, was published in Nature Communications on Sept. 2, 2026.
- •Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to view RNA polymerase at a scale smaller than an atom.
- •The enzyme successfully incorporated two synthetic base pairs not found in nature.
- •A related PNAS study published on Aug. 12, 2026, showed the enzyme can process base pairs lacking hydrogen bonds.
- •Expanded genetic alphabets have previously been used to create synthetic DNA capable of recognizing liver cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have successfully shown that RNA polymerase, a critical enzyme for gene expression, can process an expanded genetic alphabet of eight letters. This development suggests that existing cellular machinery is capable of handling synthetic genetic information, marking a significant advancement in the field of synthetic biology.
Mechanism of Synthetic Transcription
The research team utilized high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy to observe RNA polymerase from Escherichia coli (E. coli) as it processed two synthetic base pairs. The imaging revealed that the enzyme identifies these artificial letters using biochemical and structural signals similar to those used for natural DNA, allowing for accurate transcription.
Expanded Capabilities and Research
In a separate study published in PNAS, the team discovered that RNA polymerase can also recognize synthetic base pairs that lack traditional hydrogen bonds. These findings provide a foundation for developing new diagnostic tools, therapeutics, and biological systems capable of performing functions not found in nature.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by ScienceDaily.
