Genome News Network
April 4, 2003
Alias: Genomics Goes Primetime
by Nancy Touchette
A popular television show has drawn on genomics for story lines this
season. "Alias" features Sydney Bristow, a modern day superwoman and
double-agent who works for the CIA and, until recently, a fictional
agency known as SD-6. With the series venturing into the realm of
genomics, we asked: Are the lastest twists and turns the stuff of
fiction or reality?
The idea of using gene therapy to create human doubles, which aired
earlier this season, seems far-fetched to most scientists. But a
recent episode that involved mining a genome data base—presumably to
design a pathogen to target a specific enemy based on his genome
sequence—may be within the bounds of possibility.
In Episode 18, "Truth Takes Time," the CIA speculates that bad-guy
Arvin Sloane and former head of SD-6 is hatching a plan to bring an
enemy out of hiding. Knowing the enemy's general whereabouts, Sloane
will spread an airborne virus that will be benign to everyone except
his enemy, they suspect.
To do this, of course, Sloane needs to know his enemy's genome
sequence, which is stored in a database. Sydney's task is to
intercept the data that her mother, working for Sloane, is trying to
steal. Fortunately, Sydney succeeds in her mission and the world is
saved, at least until the next episode.
"This idea is not far-fetched at all," says Malak Kotb of the
University of Tennessee in Memphis. "In fact, it's a very scary
thought."
Kotb studies Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium that can cause sore
throat in some people, but fatal toxic shock and flesh-eating disease
in others. Kotb has found that a person's genetic make-up, in
particular a group of genes known as the HLA genes, can either
predispose or protect a person from the devastating effects of S.
pyogenes.
"Host genes play a major role in determining susceptibility to
infections," says Kotb. "This makes it possible to modify certain
pathogens to be infectious to specific people."
Other genomic-based plots stretch the imagination to its limits. In
episode 14, "Double Agent," Sloane exploits a technique
dubbed "Project Helix," described as a "breakthrough in next-
generation molecular gene therapy."
The CIA learns that Sloane has discovered a technique to alter a
person's genetic code to reshape their physical attributes. Bad guys
could be made to look like anyone else. In effect, a person's
physical double could be created in the body of someone else.
Thankfully, Project Helix won't work on just anyone.
"It only works on people of a certain genetic disposition, and the
recipient must be induced into a comatose state for several days
while their cells regenerate," explained CIA agent Jack Bristow,
Sydney's TV dad, himself a double agent, during a recent episode.
Unfortunately, Sydney's roommate, Francie had just that
predisposition. She was recently murdered and replaced with her
double, who now spies on Sydney and reports back to Sloane.
Stay tuned to see Sydney Bristow try to hunt down Sloane as he
ventures into the world of genomics. You never know what he'll dream
up next.
"Alias" airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on ABC.
© The Center for the Advancement of Genomics 2003
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