Approximately two years ago we started working on a musical representation of the genome, i.e., of the genetic structure of a human being. For those who, like me, are interested both in music and genetics, it appears clear that in both fields we are dealing with organized groups which are comprised of simple elements, which acquire a meaning when being interpreted. The interpretation of a sequence of musical keys using an instrument is in fact identical to the transcription of a sequence of “genetic keys”. There are only four “genetic keys”, which correspond to four specific chemical structures, the nucleotides adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine, also known by their initials ACTG. Life´s essential material, el deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is like a musical score where those four keys progressively intertwine. In fact, the mentioned four keys, in order to form units “with a meaning”, are represented on the musical score in groups of three different or repeated keys (such as CCG or CAA). Each one of these triplets “means” in chemistry an aminoacid. A gen is like a “musical work” and its expression generates an organized amino acid sequence, playing a specific role in the process of life. Our work has consisted of transforming in musical keys the keys found in the genetic sequence of different genes. The ternary nucleotide structure allowed us to use ternary musical rhythms. Sometimes we have found in the genome ternary combinations which do not make any sense in the formation of a protein. In such cases, we have been free to apply other musical rhythms, for example, a binary rhythm of a four by four rhythm.
Working on the existing links between data from genetic materials and musical compositions, we have been surprised by the similarity between the triplets series using the elements A, T, G and C and the musical language, i.e., the rhythm. The particular observation of each gene or genome reveals the existence of certain similar “areas” or sequences between musical structures and structures which are peculiar to organic life. We have been at times amazed at the repetition of 15 or 16 triplets followed by CAG, CAG, CAA, a true "obstinato" of the same amino acid, glutamine. This happens in gene SLT2 discovered by the research team led by Prof. César Nombela, who has kindly entrusted us with the musical translation of the same. Just like in music, rhythm would be the part of basic language where melodies rest, and where harmony allows for the interaction of elements, as water does in living matter. The expression “Music on the genome” ("Música sobre el genoma") was chosen since we have added rhythms and sounds on the sound sequence obtained by transcribing the genome into musical keys. Therefore, a melody can be heard in correspondence to the basic music of the genome, we reiterate, with all the freedom allowed by the laws of harmony.
For those who like us believe that man is a spirit or soul, we could say that the melody is played by the soul for other souls. In the human universe men use both body and mind to communicate with other men. Genome Music is the first one that conveys the influential power of genes without deviating from the spiritual character of music.
Aurora Sánchez Sousa
Fernando Baquero
Richard Krull
GENOMA MUSIC CD1.- BASIC COMPONENTS ALFA (2,56)
2.- YAL069 W Sacharomyces cerevisiae (3,32)
(IN MEMORIAM of Prof. Drouhet)
3.- ALU J(Human Alu repetitive element) (2,56)
4.- HOMO SAPIENS ALPHOID SEQUENCE (3,11)
5.- YRB1P Candida albicans (4,23)
6.- HOMO SAPIENS CONEXIN 26 (3,50)
7.- SLT2-protein kinase. ("Dawn of Nohelly")
8.- PROTEASE NEXIN II,ALZHEIMER DISEASE
9.- ELOVL4
10.- BASIC COMPONENTS OMEGA (2,58)