Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have achieved a remarkable feat: programming human cells to process biological signals like tiny processors, with potential applications in the fight against cancer. The team, led by PhD student Keren Roas and Dr. Lior Nissim, published their findings in Nature Communications, describing an artificial genetic system that allows cells to follow complex instructions without losing reliability.
The core innovation is RNA trans-splicing, a natural process that joins separate genetic messages inside the cell. Combining this mechanism with natural and engineered regulatory elements, the researchers created molecular tools akin to biological processors. Unlike traditional genetic circuits, which require many layers of internal computation and tend to degrade with complexity, the new method drastically reduces the number of calculations and genetic building blocks needed.
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A biological full adder demonstrates the computational potential of cells
To test the system, the team built a biological "full adder," a three-bit device capable of simple binary math, similar to a computer processor. They also created a biological multiplexer, a component that selects one signal from multiple options and forwards it. Using fluorescent proteins of different colors, they tracked signals moving through each engineered cell in real time.
Built-in safety mechanism to prevent therapeutic errors
The system includes a safety mechanism that activates when the cell detects an invalid or overloaded genetic configuration, generating a warning signal. This could help prevent errors in future medical treatments. As a practical demonstration, cells were programmed to produce Interleukin-15, an immune protein that activates cancer-fighting cells more effectively. In theory, similar cells could monitor multiple disease markers and release treatment only when needed, targeting diseased tissue while sparing healthy cells.
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Dr. Nissim stated: "Our new approach allows cells to carry out complex programs using far fewer calculations and genetic building blocks. This makes it possible to build much more advanced biological programs without losing functionality." The research, though still in the lab, suggests that medicine may increasingly resemble software design, with biological code directing cells on precisely when and how to act.
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To explore the intersection of AI and biology, check out the article on how Midjourney demands Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros disclose internal AI usage and see the parallels with scientific innovation.
For more information on RNA trans-splicing, visit the Wikipedia page.
