title: An Epigenetics-Inspired DNA-Based Data Storage System.
abstract: Biopolymers are an attractive alternative to store and circulate information. DNA, for example, combines remarkable longevity with high data storage densities and has been demonstrated as a means for preserving digital information. Inspired by the dynamic, biological regulation of (epi)genetic information, we herein present how binary data can undergo controlled changes when encoded in synthetic DNA strands. By exploiting differential kinetics of hydrolytic deamination reactions of cytosine and its naturally occurring derivatives, we demonstrate how multiple layers of information can be stored in a single DNA template. Moreover, we show that controlled redox reactions allow for interconversion of these DNA-encoded layers of information. Overall, such interlacing of multiple messages on synthetic DNA libraries showcases the potential of chemical reactions to manipulate digital information on (bio)polymers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
authors.forename: Gordon R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: McInroy
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Murat
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
authors.forename: Pieter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Delft
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK. sb10031@cam.ac.uk.|Cancer Research, UK, Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK. sb10031@cam.ac.uk.|School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK. sb10031@cam.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Shankar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Balasubramanian
mesh_terms: D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D057890:Epigenomics; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001704:Biopolymers; D004247:DNA
keywords: DNA; epigenetics; information storage; sequencing; supramolecular chemistry