Rocznica odkrycia struktury DNA - nowe wyzwania dla medycyny

The discovery of DNA and of its structure were of great importance both in the scientific field and in everyday life. The recognition of DNA as a compound that carries genetic information allowed the development of genetics and the development of molecular genetics methods. They have found applications in medicine, forensic genetics and forensics, molecular diagnosis of genetic diseases, extraction of bioactive substances, analysis of archival DNA (aDNA), innovative technology for the use of
transgenic animal tissues for biomedical purposes, transgenic animals as bioreactors and the use of modified organisms for disease prevention, among others. In terms of health, DNA analysis has made it possible to detect the basis of genetic diseases, and has contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms leading to their development.
Molecular genetics techniques make the analyses of kinship or identifying biological traces on crime scenes much easier and more accurate. The ever improving tool-box of DNA researchers made it possible to reach another milestone in the form of fully
sequencing human genome as well as genomes of many other organisms. In turn, mastery of genomic information has provided the opportunity to produce many biologically active substances on an industrial scale. The discovery of the structure of DNA has contributed to a huge breakthrough in the understanding of the principles that guide life processes. Knowledge of DNA structure has translated into the ability of humans to make changes to the DNA of other organisms for use in biomedical applications. Certainly, animal transgenesis involving the use of tissues and organs from transgenic pigs for xenotransplantation will lead to further advances. There are also emerging opportunities to use 3D bioprinting to prepare organs for transplantation. The production of biologically active substances in transgenic animals points to the important role of animals as bioreactors. In addition, DNA modifications using modern genome editing methods make it possible to reduce insect populations that can transmit human pathogens. One should also not forget about obtaining animals that are resistant to diseases that cause high losses. The contribution of Polish researchers to the development of medicine should also be pointed out.
The presented article consists of two parts: the first one entitled: The discovery of the DNA structure and its relevance to medicine and the second one entitled: The application of biotechnology and bioengineering to transplantation in the contex of the anniversary of the discovery of the structure DNA. The two parts complement each other and paint a picture of DNA structure research in the context of applications in modern medicine.