Scientists found that there’s a second code hiding within a DNA. This hidden code reveals information that will affect the way scientists read the DNA-kept instructions and interpret cases of mutations to better explain health and disease.
Researchers from the University of the Washington led by associate professor Dr. John Stamatoyannopoulos were analyzing the genetic code of the proteins as part of the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements Project (ENCODE) when they stumbled upon this second language.
They were surprised to find out that genomes utilize the genetic code in order to write two different languages. One explains how proteins are made while the other guides the cells on how genes are manipulated. One language is seen above the other. This is the reason why the second language was kept hidden for a long time.
The genetic code is made up of an alphabet with 64 letters dubbed as codons. The research team found out that some of these codons, which they identified as duons, may just have two meanings. One meaning is related to the sequence of protein while the other is related to controlling genes. These two different meanings were presumed to have evolved in a concerting manner. The instructions on gene control seem to have aided in stabilizing some of proteins’ beneficial features and the way they are made.
It was the discovery of duons that had created major implications on the way physicians and scientists interpret the genome of a patient. Furthermore, they believe that the discovery will bring new opportunities in diagnosing and treating diseases.
“The fact that the genetic code can simultaneously write two kinds of information means that many DNA changes that appear to alter protein sequences may actually cause disease by disrupting gene control programs or even both mechanisms simultaneously,” said Stamatoyannopoulos.
The study was published in the December 13 issue of Science.
