#United Kingdom #Oxford #Nucleome #James Davies

Nucleome Therapeutics and Oxford University

Nucleome Therapeutics ('Nucleome' or 'the Company') has reached a significant milestone by publishing groundbreaking research in the prestigious journal, Cell. This research, led by Professor James Davies and his team at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, marks a huge leap in our understanding of the intricacies of genetic regulation and its implications for future drug development.

Understanding the Genome Like Never Before

The paper, titled Mapping chromatin structure at base-pair resolution unveils a unified model of cis-regulatory element interactions, presents an unprecedented view of how DNA folds and operates within living cells. By utilizing their innovative Micro Capture-C (MCC) technology, Nucleome has effectively captured the complex 3D interactions of DNA elements, revealing how regulatory elements, often positioned far from the genes they affect, interact via the three-dimensional structure of chromatin. This level of precision in mapping these interactions for the first time opens new avenues for identifying drug targets based on human genetics.

Dr. Mark Bodmer, CEO of Nucleome, expressed his excitement over the study, stating, "Congratulations to James and his team at Oxford on this groundbreaking work. Using MCC technology, for the first time, it has been possible to visualize three-dimensional interactions in the nucleus at base pair resolution. This revolutionary approach will greatly enhance our understanding of how genetic variation leads to diseases."

Implications for Inflammatory Diseases

Nucleome uniquely applies the MCC technology to resolve the molecular basis behind inflammatory diseases, identifying thousands of non-coding genetic variants linked to various conditions. This capacity to uncover the 'hidden layer' of genetics—areas of the genome that do not code for proteins yet have vital regulatory functions—positions Nucleome at the forefront of innovative biotherapeutics, aiming to discover new drug targets that restore health.

The research also demonstrates how the new MCC ultra technique allows scientists to map the human genome down to a singular base pair. This is pivotal as over 90% of genetic variations associated with common diseases occur in switch regions that dictate how and when genes are activated, rather than in the genes themselves.

Professor James Davies, the lead author, noted, "This study is a game-changer for our comprehension of gene functionality. We can now visualize how variations in the DNA's intricate structure contribute to diseases, including heart conditions and autoimmune disorders."

A New Perspective on Gene Regulation

Rather than viewing genes in isolation, the research illustrates a holistic approach to gene regulation. The Oxford team proposes that cells utilize electromagnetic forces to cluster DNA control sequences into 'islands' of activity where genes are turned on or off. These structures are likely critical mechanisms for gene regulation, highlighting how cellular architecture influences genetic outcomes.

Collaboration with colleagues at the University of Cambridge has further validated the findings, providing simulation evidence that the observed folding patterns emerge naturally from the DNA’s physical properties.

Conclusion

This publication in Cell is more than a milestone for Nucleome and Professor Davies—it represents a paradigm shift in molecular genetics. By enhancing our understanding of gene regulation, this research lays a solid groundwork for future studies exploring how alterations in genome structure lead to various diseases.

As Nucleome continues to leverage this promising technology to build a pipeline of innovative therapeutics, the implications for the treatment of inflammatory diseases become increasingly significant. Through their commitment to translating this research into real-world applications, Nucleome stands poised to make a profound impact on healthcare and patient outcomes.

For more on Nucleome Therapeutics and updates on their latest research, please visit Nucleome's official website.