BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Protein Therapy
28 April 2018

Protein Therapy

Proteins are more than just a bodybuilder’s best friend. They are the building blocks of life, and how we make them is dictated by our DNA. Over the past few decades, gene editing technologies have helped us to tease apart and even replace mutated bits of DNA that cause genetic diseases. Researchers have recently developed a new tool called CasRx that applies these genetic editing principles to DNA’s close relative, RNA. Since RNA is key to the protein-making process and if faulty can also cause genetic diseases, scientists have used this new technology to correct a protein imbalance in the cells of a patient with dementia. This image shows CasRx (purple) at work targeting RNA in human cells. CasRx could be great new addition to the genetic engineering toolbox, and has the potential to pave the way for a whole new range of gene therapies.

Written by Gaëlle Coullon

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.