Since the discovery of DNA, biologists have dreamed of unlocking molecular secrets that will lead to remarkable advances in medical science. That dream may soon become reality thanks to scientists like Dr. Claude E. Gagna, whose DNA research and new DNA methods may provide hope for those suffering from cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, obesity and schizophrenia.

His idea to immobilize more than 100,000 double-stranded, multistranded or exotic DNA and RNA molecules on a microarray will help scientists understand the structure and function of human, nonhuman, bacterial and viral genes as well as characterize how DNA and RNA protein, DNA drug and DNA protein-drug interactions regulate gene expression. It may also aid in genetic screening, transcription-translation studies, mutation analysis, disease management, genomics-proteomics, forensic medicine, DNA synthesis, and genetic sequencing.

Aptly named the “Gagna/NYIT Multistranded DNA, RNA and Plasmid Microarray,” Gagna’s work is now patented in the United States and is pending in Europe and Asia.

“This biological-medical invention represents the next generation of DNA and RNA microarrays,” says Gagna, an associate professor in NYIT’s School of Health Professions, Behavioral and Life Sciences. “Instead of immobilizing single-stranded DNA, scientists will be able to secure intact, non-denatured and unaltered double-, triple-, quadruple- or quintuple-stranded DNA or RNA molecules onto the surface of a microscope slide. All of these different types of DNA regulate normal and diseased cells.” In the past, scientists could anchor segments containing only one of the two helical strands of double-stranded DNA.

“Another remarkable benefit is that it will save pharmaceutical companies millions of dollars on expensive clinical trials, enhance the production of prescription drugs, produce new classes of drugs with fewer toxic side effects, speed the process of drug discovery, and lower the cost of drug development,” says Gagna.

He also developed a special substrate surface that increases the adherence of the DNA and RNA to the microarray’s surface. This advancement will give scientists the ability to duplicate the environment of a cell and its nucleus, which contain human DNA, and perform necessary experiments.

Gagna hopes this new technology will lead to more advances in DNA nanotechnology and molecular medicine specifically developed for individual patients without toxic side effects.