Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California, adjacent to Palo Alto and between San Jose and San Francisco. Stanford had expanded their research and has now ventured into scientific research about vaccines. They have genetically engineered mice to glow like fireflies. Yes, you heard it right glowing mice. Researchers at Stanford have developed a way to extract firefly proteins and introduce it to the mice specimen. This is envisioned to aid in the treatment and cure of patients with cancer.

According to the co-author of the study, Professor Christopher Contag, this study demonstrated for the first time that we can deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to cells in a dish, or to cells in organs of living animals. The mRNA is the intermediate between the genome and functional proteins. Prior to this work there has not been an effective way to transfer synthetic mRNA into cells in a way that the cell can turn it into protein. This opens up an entirely new way to have cells express proteins that can treat a myriad of diseases. The research was featured and published in the recent paper journal entitled, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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In the study, protein expression using mRNA has the ability to transform multiple areas for research, including the prevention, detection and treatment of disease. Functional delivery of mRNA to tissues in the body is key to implementing fundamentally new and potentially transformative strategies for vaccination, protein replacement therapy, and genome editing, collectively affecting approaches for the prevention, detection, and treatment of disease. This is, in particular, quite a challenge for the team because the mRNA is negatively charged; the cell membrane is positive so the transmission of the two is incompatible. To override this imbalance, the scientists came up with a way to create a vehicle for the mRNA. To test that, the specimen mice came into the picture.

Professor Paul Wender from Stanfords department of Chemistry and is one of the authors of the research said that, What we did was to use mRNA that codes for an optical readout, meaning one that we could see. In this case that meant light coming out of a cell. Its the fastest way of discovering whether you have succeeded in getting something into a cell, by getting it to shoot photons back at you. The study was a success that no adverse effects on the test subject were observed. The experiment worked for a few hours, and eventually subsided in 24 to 48 hours after. This experiment also showed a possibility of extending that desired effect by manipulating the DNA involved.

The research is still young as it will need more nurturing and sleepless nights to fully develop it into maturity. Being able to manipulate mRNA transmission and its genetic engineering means more possibilities for learning and being able to create new things. Science is a very complex subject but also very rewarding. The little things you focus on will grow out to affect the biggest if done right. We just hope stability of findings would occur soon so that it can be used for the benefit of the general public.

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