![]() Myriad did not create the sequence of the BRCA1/2 cDNA the sequence is a complementary copy of patients’ mRNA. Those exons are the same exons as the original DNA, and appear in the same order (illustrated in schematic). The naturally occurring gene contains exons, introns, and other genetic material the cDNA contains only exons. It’s worth mentioning that cDNA can occur naturally certain viruses can copy mRNA to cDNA (in fact, this is where scientists learned the technique).ĬDNA is an edited version of the original gene. Just like pre-RNA is a complementary copy of the DNA template, the cDNA is a complementary copy of the mRNA template. The new DNA that’s created from the mRNA is called cDNA (see DNA to cDNA schematic). So it is sometimes advantageous for researchers to extract mRNA and convert it back to stable DNA. ![]() The cell then uses the mRNA to assemble proteins.įor scientists, working with RNA is difficult it is unstable and degrades quickly. Next, that pre-RNA is edited so that only the parts that encode protein (the exons) remain. The copy, called pre-RNA, is not identical to template DNA. Instead of DNA, this copy is made of RNA. First, the DNA pulls apart into two separate strands and a copy is made. To make protein from DNA, several steps must happen (illustrated in the accompanying schematic). The familiar DNA nucleotides A, C, T, and G each have a complementary partner they always pair with: A always pairs with T, and C with G. Genes, which are made of DNA, contain the information required to make proteins. In order to understand the critical distinction between DNA and cDNA, some background is necessary. Ruling that cDNA can be patented will have important consequences for research, including research to discover new disease treatments and create new genetic tests.įew people outside of biology research have heard of cDNA. But, the Court also ruled that cDNA, an edited man-made copy of the gene, can be patented. It also opens up BRCA1/2 testing to labs other than Myriad. That’s good news for doctors, researchers, and anyone who doesn’t like the idea of a company owning patent rights to pieces of your body. The Supreme Court ruled that genes cannot be patented because “natural phenomena” are not patentable. Because Myriad owned the patents on BRCA1/2, it was the only company that could administer the test for cancerous mutations. Myriad Genetics is the primary distributor of the BRCA1/2 test, which costs upwards of $3000. Then, one can use this information to increase preventative care measures, like increased screening, or even having both breasts completely removed (a double mastectomy)-an elective surgery recently made famous by Angelina Jolie. People can have their risk of breast or ovarian cancer assessed by finding out if they have mutations in BRCA1/2. Myriad filed patents for the genes in 19. Building on the work of researchers around the world, Myriad identified the location and sequence of two genes that are sometimes mutated in breast cancer, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 (collectively, BRCA1/2). The company that applied for these patents is Myriad Genetics. The ruling may significantly affect patients’ access to genetic testing, and it sets an important precedent for future developments in the biotechnology sector. But the potential outcomes are important enough that all members of the public, not just biologists, should be equipped with the knowledge to evaluate it. As a geneticist, I have my own opinions about this ruling. But, said the Court, cDNA, a man-made copy of the genetic messenger in cells, is patentable. In a unanimous decision last month, the Supreme Court ruled that naturally occurring genes are not patentable.
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