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DNA Structure, Sequencing, Synthesis, and Modification: Making Biology Molecular
Published in Richard J. Sundberg, The Chemical Century, 2017
The most spectacular advances in molecular modification in the last quarter of the twentieth century had their origin in understanding the nature of DNA. DNA structure and sequence information underpins the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering. The crucial concept is the specificity of base-pairing that depends on hydrogen bonding. This fundamental concept was established in 1953 and gave rise to a range of techniques and methods now known collectively as molecular biology. Understanding of DNA structure and function led to new ways for production and manipulation of DNA. Usually, the changes are effected with biological catalysts. The ability to utilize DNA for protein synthesis enabled the production of specific proteins for a variety of applications. We want to understand the chemical principles that are involved in these techniques. We also want to recognize how the processes have been adapted from nature. These methods have been applied to many aspects of biochemistry, pharmacology, and drug development. Information about DNA is also the foundation for efforts to tailor drug therapy to individuals based on genetic information, which is called molecular medicine.
Introduction and Overview
Published in Suzanne Amador Kane, Boris A. Gelman, Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine, 2020
Suzanne Amador Kane, Boris A. Gelman
At the same time that these medical physics techniques were exploding on the scene, our knowledge of the genome and biochemistry was undergoing a similar revolution. The result is molecular medicine – not a single field, but the synergy that results when all fields of medicine become informed by techniques resulting from our new understanding of genetics and molecular biology. Imaging technologies now can monitor the time course of body metabolism, explore the biology of specific receptors for brain chemicals or drugs, or map the response of different tumors to a program of chemotherapy for cancer to make sure each is responding and alternative therapies are not warranted.
Glossary of scientific and technical terms in bioengineering and biological engineering
Published in Megh R. Goyal, Scientific and Technical Terms in Bioengineering and Biological Engineering, 2018
Nanomedicine or Molecular Medicine is a broad field, where physical, chemical, biological and medical techniques are used to describe molecular structures and mechanisms, identify fundamental molecular and genetic errors of disease, and to develop molecular interventions to correct them.
Nuclear Medicine in Oncology
Published in Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Imaging & Visualization, 2018
Carla Oliveira, Rui Parafita, Ana Canudo, Joana Correia Castanheira, Durval C. Costa
In addition, the advent of molecular medicine has changed the investigation of new drugs, including radiopharmaceuticals, towards the development of highly specific molecules directed to their biology molecular targets. A clear-cut example is represented by aptamers. These consist of oligomers composed of ribonucleotides (RNA aptamers), deoxyribonucleotides (DNA aptamers) or amino acids (peptide aptamers). Some radiolabelled aptamers are currently being assessed, for instance, the ones targeting PSMA, showing promise for diagnosis (labelled with the positron emitters COPPER-64 or ZIRCONIUM-89) and for therapy (via labelling with the alpha emitter ACTINIUM-225) (Gijs et al. 2016).