Researchers engineered 42 complex human cell lines with extensive structural variations in their genomes, including inversions, deletions, and duplications, to study the impact on cell viability and function. Surprisingly, they found that cells tolerated a wide range of these large-scale genomic alterations with minimal effects on gene expression or growth. This suggests human genomes are remarkably resilient to structural changes, challenging the conventional understanding of their fragility and offering insights into cancer development, evolution, and potential therapeutic strategies.
Caltech researchers have engineered a new method for creating "living materials" by embedding bacteria within a polymer matrix. These bacteria produce amyloid protein nanofibers that intertwine, forming cable-like structures that extend outward. As these cables grow, they knit the surrounding polymer into a cohesive, self-assembling gel. This process, inspired by the way human cells build tissues, enables the creation of dynamic, adaptable materials with potential applications in biomanufacturing, bioremediation, and regenerative medicine. These living gels could potentially be used to produce valuable chemicals, remove pollutants from the environment, or even repair damaged tissues.
HN commenters express both excitement and caution regarding the potential of the "living gels." Several highlight the potential applications in bioremediation, specifically cleaning up oil spills, and regenerative medicine, particularly in creating new biomaterials for implants and wound healing. Some discuss the impressive self-assembling nature of the bacteria and the possibilities for programmable bio-construction. However, others raise concerns about the potential dangers of such technology, wondering about the possibility of uncontrolled growth and unforeseen ecological consequences. A few commenters delve into the specifics of the research, questioning the scalability and cost-effectiveness of the process, and the long-term stability of the gels. There's also discussion about the definition of "life" in this context, and the implications of creating and controlling such systems.
Summary of Comments ( 2 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43057898
HN commenters discussed the implications of the study's findings, with some expressing skepticism about the robustness of the engineered cell lines. One commenter questioned whether the rearranged chromosomes would affect gene regulation in subtle, yet significant, ways that weren't captured in the initial analysis. Another pointed out the importance of long-term studies to observe potential downstream effects, such as an increased risk of cancer or other diseases. Several commenters also highlighted the ethical considerations of large-scale genome engineering in humans, even for therapeutic purposes, urging caution and further research before any clinical applications are considered. A few commenters expressed excitement about the potential of this research to advance our understanding of genome organization and its role in disease, while also acknowledging the significant challenges that remain.
The Hacker News post "Engineering of human cells reveals genome's resilience to structural changes" (linking to a Phys.org article about the same research) generated several comments discussing the research and its implications.
Several commenters focused on the surprising resilience of the human genome revealed by the study. One commenter expressed astonishment at the ability of cells to function normally even with significant chromosomal rearrangements, highlighting the robustness of biological systems. Another pointed out that this resilience likely contributes to the diversity of life and the ability of organisms to adapt to changing environments. They speculated that this inherent flexibility in the genome allows for greater exploration of genetic space and could be a key factor in evolution.
The discussion also touched on the potential applications of this research. One commenter suggested that understanding the limits of genomic rearrangement could be crucial for developing gene therapies, emphasizing the need to avoid potentially harmful structural changes. Another commenter raised the possibility of utilizing this knowledge to engineer more robust cell lines for research and industrial applications, envisioning cells that are less susceptible to genetic instability.
Some commenters delved into the technical aspects of the study, questioning the methodology and interpretation of the results. One comment inquired about the specific types of rearrangements studied and whether they were representative of naturally occurring variations. Another commenter questioned the long-term effects of these rearrangements, suggesting that while the cells may function normally in the short term, there could be subtle or delayed consequences.
Finally, a few comments broadened the discussion to the wider implications of genetic engineering. One commenter expressed concern about the ethical considerations of manipulating the human genome, cautioning against unintended consequences. Another pondered the potential for this research to contribute to our understanding of complex diseases and the development of personalized medicine.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a mix of awe at the complexity and resilience of the human genome, excitement about the potential applications of the research, and cautious consideration of the ethical implications. They demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic and a desire to explore the various facets of this groundbreaking research.