Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

Engineering a sprayable and elastic hydrogel adhesive with antimicrobial properties for wound healing.

Hydrogel-based bioadhesives have emerged as alternatives for sutureless wound closure, since they can mimic the composition and physicochemical properties of the extracellular matrix. However, they are often associated with poor mechanical properties, low adhesion to native tissues, and lack of antimicrobial properties. Herein, a new sprayable, elastic, and biocompatible composite hydrogel, with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, for the treatment of chronic wounds is reported. The composite hydrogels were engineered using two ECM-derived biopolymers, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and methacryloyl-substituted recombinant human tropoelastin (MeTro). MeTro/GelMA composite hydrogel adhesives were formed via visible light-induced crosslinking. Additionally, the antimicrobial peptide Tet213 was conjugated to the hydrogels, instilling antimicrobial activity against Gram (+) and (-) bacteria. The physical properties (e.g. porosity, degradability, swellability, mechanical, and adhesive properties) of the engineered hydrogel could be fine-tuned by varying the ratio of MeTro/GelMA and the final polymer concentration. The hydrogels supported in vitro mammalian cellular growth in both two-dimensional and three dimensional cultures. The subcutaneous implantation of the hydrogels in rats confirmed their biocompatibility and biodegradation in vivo. The engineered MeTro/GelMA-Tet213 hydrogels can be used for sutureless wound closure strategies to prevent infection and promote healing of chronic wounds

Engineering a sprayable and elastic hydrogel adhesive with antimicrobial properties for wound healing

Hydrogel-based bioadhesives have emerged as alternatives for sutureless wound closure, since they can mimic the composition and physicochemical properties of the extracellular matrix. However, they are often associated with poor mechanical properties, low adhesion to native tissues, and lack of antimicrobial properties. Herein, a new sprayable, elastic, and biocompatible composite hydrogel, with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, for the treatment of chronic wounds is reported. The composite hydrogels were engineered using two ECM-derived biopolymers, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and methacryloyl-substituted recombinant human tropoelastin (MeTro). MeTro/GelMA composite hydrogel adhesives were formed via visible light-induced crosslinking. Additionally, the antimicrobial peptide Tet213 was conjugated to the hydrogels, instilling antimicrobial activity against Gram (+) and (-) bacteria. The physical properties (e.g. porosity, degradability, swellability, mechanical, and adhesive properties) of the engineered hydrogel could be fine-tuned by varying the ratio of MeTro/GelMA and the final polymer concentration. The hydrogels supported in vitro mammalian cellular growth in both two-dimensional and three dimensional cultures. The subcutaneous implantation of the hydrogels in rats confirmed their biocompatibility and biodegradation in vivo. The engineered MeTro/GelMA-Tet213 hydrogels can be used for sutureless wound closure strategies to prevent infection and promote healing of chronic wounds