Dr Jakob Maciejko from Nippon Genetics explores
A new initiative, SynHG (synthetic Human Genome) will develop scalable tools and technologies for synthesising human genomes. This five-year research project marks a bold step forward in genomics. In this article, Dr. Jakob Maciejko, product manager at Nippon Genetics Europe explores recent genomics progress and how modern lab equipment supports cutting-edge research.
Advancements in genomic research have brought the development of nucleic acid drugs (NADs), which regulate and translate nucleic acid functions. These therapies have demonstrated long-lasting efficacy in gene repression, replacement and editing.
Numerous studies now discuss the feasibility of NADs in both the prevention and treatment of diseases, the most widely-recognised application of which is the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
RNA-based therapies in clinical trials
RNA-targeting NADs have gained significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry. Companies from AstraZeneca to Moderna are leveraging RNA-based therapies to address neurological, cardiovascular, genetic and infectious diseases, as well as metabolic disorders.
One particularly active area is oncology. As of January 31, 2024, there were at least 131 RNA-based therapies in clinical trials, with many more in pre-clinical development.
An exciting drug in the pipeline is mRNA-4359, an mRNA drug for the treatment of advanced solid tumours. The first UK patients received the experimental mRNA therapy at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust as part of a phase 1/2 clinical trial in October 2024.
Dr David Pinato, a clinician scientist at Imperial College London’s Department of Surgery Cancer states, “This research is still in the early stages and may be a number of years from being available to patients, but this trial is laying crucial groundwork that is moving us closer towards new therapies.”
The role of equipment in genetic innovation
Traditional UV-based gel documentation systems, which have remained largely unchanged for over two decades, still dominate despite their limitations. These systems expose lab personnel to harmful UV radiation and can degrade nucleic acid samples, compromising accuracy.
Modern alternatives such as Blue/Green LED-based systems offer significant improvements. The LED light is emitted in the visible spectrum and causes no damage for the sample or for the user.
Planet A Foods chose the gel doc system with Blue/Green LED technology from Nippon Genetics Europe as part of their project.
This system provides faster, safer and more precise DNA imaging, crucial in workflows like those at Planet A Foods.
Importantly, these advanced systems are not more expensive. In fact, their lower energy consumption reduces utility costs. Their customisable design, adaptable in complexity and size by Nippon Genetics Europe, makes them suitable for any laboratory, whether large commercial or smaller specialised.
For more information visit: www.nippongenetics.eu
