WO2008129307A1

WO2008129307A1 - Nucleic acid-containing media

Info

Publication number: WO2008129307A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/001441
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bryan Clifford Sykes
Original assignee: Oxford Ancestors Limited
Priority date: 2007-04-23
Filing date: 2008-04-23
Publication date: 2008-10-30
Also published as: GB0707790D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to the incorporation of a nucleic acid into a solid or liquid medium which comprises, or forms the basis for, an article of commerce. The nucleic acid enhances the solid or liquid medium. Said enhancement may include enhancement of the psychological impact of the medium and/or article of commerce, in other words the perception of the article in the mind of a consumer or user, which in turn improves the commercial appeal of said article of commerce. Embodiments of the invention include a coating composition containing a nucleic acid, wherein the coating composition is for coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal; and a protective and/or decorative coating composition containing a nucleic acid. The protective and/or decorative coating composition may comprise paint or the like (including, but not limited to, any varnish, stain, ink, dye, colouring, glaze or wax).

Description

NUCLEIC ACID-CONTAINING MEDIA

The present invention relates to nucleic acid-containing media.

DNA is the chemical embodiment of the genetic code which instructs cells how to build and run our bodies. However, in recent years it has acquired a new meaning in the popular imagination. DNA has become synonymous with our essential essence. "It's in my DNA" is now the mantra not only for individuals looking to understand their own actions, but also for corporations and brands seeking to define themselves. Mercedes

Benz®, for example, announces that "Obsession. It's something that's buried deep within the DNA of our company. Something that drives everyone that works here."

Strong evidence for a psychological link between individuals and their DNA comes from experience with mitochondrial DNA.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed exclusively down the female line. Thus, all individuals, whether male or female, have inherited their mtDNA from their mother, who has inherited from her mother, who inherited from her mother and so on in a direct matrilineal fashion into the past. Thus, the mtDNA of an individual is the same as that of his or her matrilineal ancestor unless there has been a mutation in the mtDNA at one or more points in the intervening generations between the ancestor and the living individual. mtDNA is inherited down the maternal line because human eggs contain large numbers of mitochondria, whereas sperm mitochondria are both much fewer in number and are actively destroyed in the fertilised egg. Thus, while males and females inherit mtDNA, only females pass it on to their children (through their eggs).

Extensive surveys of mtDNA sequence variation in living peoples from all over the world have revealed that >99% can be assigned to one of 36 clades within which every member of the clade is a direct matrilineal descendant of the founder of the clade. The clades are distributed differently in different places throughout the world. Approximately 97% of all native Europeans belong to one of seven matrilineal clades or 'clans'. There are four equivalent clades among native Americans, thirteen equivalent clades in Africa and a further twelve clades in Asia and Australasia. mtDNA from different clades can be distinguished by sequence characteristics. Different clades are referred to either by an alphanumeric sequence (A, B, C, D; Hl, H2, etc.) or, in popular accounts, by an invented name for the founder of each clade, or 'clan mother'. The seven clans in Europe are thus named Helena, Ursula, Xenia, Velda, Tara, Katrine and Jasmine, collectively referred to as 'The Seven Daughters of Eve'. Surveys of the sequence variation of large samples of individuals within each clade have been used, along with a generally accepted mutation rate, to estimate how long ago the clan mothers lived. They are, in ascending order, 45,000 years (Ursula), 25,000 years (Xenia), 20,000 years (Helena), 17,000 years (Velda and Tara), 15,000 years (Katrine) and 10,000 years (Jasmine).

The DNA sequence between nucleotides 16,001 and 16,400 for Helena is shown below (numbering according to Anderson et. al., Sequence and organization of the human mitochondrial genome, Nature, Vol. 290, 1981. pp. 457-465).

16001 ATTCTAATTT AAACTATTCT CTGTTCTTTC ATGGGGAAGC AGATTTGGGT ACCACCCAAG TATTGACTCA CCCATCAACA ACCGCTATGT ATTTCGTACA

16101 TTACTGCCAG CCACCATGAA TATTGTACGG TACCATAAAT ACTTGACCAC CTGTAGTACA TAAAAACCCA

ATCCACATCA AAACCCCCTC CCCATGCTTA 16201 CAAGCAAGTA CAGCAATCAA CCCTCAACTA TCACACATCA ACTGCAACTC CAAAGCCACC CCTCACCCAC

TAGGATACCA ACAAACCTAC CCACCCTTAA 16301 CAGTACATAG TACATAAAGC CATTTACCGT ACATAGCACA TTACAGTCAA ATCCCTTCTC GTCCCCATGG ATGACCCCCC TCAGATAGGG GTCCCTTGAC The 36 clan mothers are as follows: Ai/Aiyana, Chie/Chochmingwu, Djigonese/Sachi, Emiko, Fufei, Gaia, Helena, Ina, Jasmine, Katrine, Lamia, Lalamika, Lara, Latasha, Latifa, Layla, LiIa, Limber, Lingaire, Lubaya, Makeda, Malaxshmi, Naomi, Nene, Sachi, Tara, Ulaana, UlIa, Ulrike, Uma, Una, Ursula, Uta, Velda, Yumi and Xenia. With reference to the Helena sequence, the sequence variants for the other major clan mothers are shown in Table 1 :

Table 1

Clan Mother Variants from Reference Sequence (Helena)

Ai/Aiyana 16223C-T, 16290C-T, 16319G-A

Chie/Chochmingwu 16189T-C, 16223C-T, 16298T-C

Djigonese/Sachi 16223C-T, 16362C-T

Emiko 16223C-T, 16278C-T, 16362C-T

Fufei 16172T-C, 16304T-C

Gaia 16223C-T, 16227A-G, 16362C-T

Ina 16189T-C, 16217T-C, 1626 IC-T

JASMINE 16069C-T, 16126T-C

KATRINE 16224T-C, 16311 T-C

Lamia 16223C-T, 16320C-T

Lalamika 16209T-C, 16223C-T, 16311 T-C

Lara 16223C-T

Latasha 16124T-C, 16223C-T, 16278C-T

Latifa 16223C-T, 16278C-T

Layla 16172T-C, 16187C-T, 16189T-C, 16223C-T

LiIa 16223C-T, 16286C-T

Limber 16126T-C, 16189T-C, 16223C-T, 16264C-T

Lingaire 16223C-T, 16294C-T, 16309A-G, 16390G-A

Lubaya 16145G-A, 16187C-T, 16189T-C, 16223C-T

Makeda 16129G-A, 16189T-C, 16223C-T, 16249T-C

Malaxshmi 16223C-T, 16319G-A, 16362C-T

Naomi 16145G-A, 16176C-A, 16223C-T, 16390G-A

Nene 16223C-T, 16257C-A

TARA 16126T-C, 16294C-T

Ulaana 16309 A-G, 16318A-T

UUa 16172T-C, 16219A-G

Ulrike 16356T-C

Uma 16343 A-G

Una 16189T-C, 16249T-C

URSULA 16270C-T

Uta 16129G-C

VELDA 16298T-C

Yumi 16189T-C, 16220A-C, 16223C-T

XENIA 16223C-T All of the clan mothers are descended from Mitochondrial Eve, whose sequence variants (relative to the reference sequence of Helena) are: 16129G-A, 16148C-T, 16187C-T, 16188C-T, 16189T-C, 16223C-T, 16230A-G, 16278C-T, 1631 IT-C, 16320C-T. Since the publication of this research in The Seven Daughters of Eve (W.W.

Norton & Co. Ltd., 2001), over 10,000 people have commissioned DNA tests to discover from which clan mother they are themselves descended. Frequently, individuals who have received the results of DNA tests report a strong sense of identity and connection with their revealed clan mother and with other members of the same matrilineal clan. Whatever the psychological reasons for this experience, it is the foundation of a successful commercial business, Oxford Ancestors Limited.

The present invention combines the two features of DNA, the biological and the psychological, by its physical incorporation into various media and by so doing enhances the properties of the modified medium. Thus, in its broadest sense, the present invention relates to the incorporation of a nucleic acid into a solid or liquid medium which comprises, or forms the basis for, an article of commerce. Alternatively, the present invention may broadly be considered a method of enhancing a solid or liquid medium which comprises, or forms the basis for, an article of commerce, said method comprising incorporating a nucleic acid into the medium. Alternatively, the present invention may broadly be considered the use of a nucleic acid to enhance a solid or liquid medium which comprises, or forms the basis for, an article of commerce. Said enhancement may include enhancement of the psychological impact of the medium and/or article of commerce, in other words the perception of the article in the mind of a consumer or user, which in turn improves the commercial appeal of said article of commerce.

In most embodiments, it is preferred that the medium is a non-medical medium.

Any isolated nucleic acid may be used, and more than one nucleic acid may be used. Preferably, the nucleic acid is DNA. Any form of DNA may be used. By way of example, the DNA may be mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA or chromosomal DNA, in particular Y-chromosomal DNA. Any length of DNA may be used. The DNA may be at least one fragment of predetermined or initially unknown length or a mixture of different fragments of predetermined or unknown length. For example, if the DNA is synthesised by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification between two primers which are complementary to unique sequences in the template DNA, the length(s) of the product or products will generally be known. If the DNA is synthesised by PCR amplification between two primers which are complementary to non-unique sequences in the template

DNA, the length(s) of the product or products will generally not be known, at least initially. If the DNA is synthesised by chemical, enzymatic or mechanical fragmentation of template DNA, the length(s) of the product or products will generally not be known, at least initially. Of course, the characteristics of the DNA may be determined subsequently.

The sequence of the nucleic acid may correspond to a nucleic acid sequence of any individual organism. In all cases, the nucleic acid may be a nucleic acid of predetermined sequence. The nucleic acid sequence may be selected from a database of known sequences. The nucleic acid may be isolated from a sample of blood or tissue using conventional techniques. Alternatively, the nucleic acid may be synthesised or reconstructed using known techniques. For safety, the nucleic acid may be modified to prevent incorporation into the genetic material of a human or non-human animal.

The nucleic acid sequence may correspond to a nucleic acid sequence of a living human or non-human animal, for instance a sequence determined by analysis of a blood or tissue sample from said human or non-human animal.

Alternatively, the nucleic acid sequence may correspond to a nucleic acid sequence of a dead human or non-human animal, which may be determined by direct analysis of a blood or tissue sample or alternatively may be selected from a database of known sequences.

The nucleic acid sequence may comprise a sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of an individual human or non-human animal.

WO 01/77381 describes a method of determining probable ancestry of an individual to a dead female ancestor ('clan mother'). The contents of WO 01/77381 are incorporated herein by reference.

DNA from the clan mothers can be reconstructed in different ways. In a first method, the founding sequence of a clan mother is determined by phylogenetic analysis of the complete mtDNA sequences, or a segment or segments thereof, of a sample of members of the clan and the determination of the root. In one embodiment, the mtDNA segment comprises 400 bases of the first hypervariable segment of the control region

(HVS 1). Once the sequence is known, the DNA segment is chemically synthesised by standard methods. In an alternative method, the mtDNA segment is synthesised by polymerase chain reaction from DNA extracted from an individual in whom DNA tests have determined that he or she possesses the root sequence.

In an alternative embodiment, ancestry may be determined by analysis of the Y-chromosome of a male individual. WO 00/43542 describes the use of DNA analysis to haplotype the Y-chromosome. The contents of WO 00/43542 are incorporated herein by reference. By way of example, within Britain and Ireland most Y-chromosomes can be assigned to one of five genetically related phylogenetic clades on the basis of shared features of their haplotypes. These shared features may be their allelic state at one or more genetic marker loci. These marker loci may be dimorphic sequence variants revealed as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or length variation due to differences in the number of tandem DNA repeats (STRs). Just as individuals within a matrilineal clan are descended down a direct matrilineal line from the same founder female, men within the same patrilineal clan are descended down a direct patrilineal line from the founder male. The major worldwide patrilineal clades and subclades defined by Y-chromosome variants include A, B, C, D, E3a, E3b, G2, G5, H, Ha, lib, J, K, L, N, Q, RIa and RIb. Within Britain and Ireland, the major clades and sub-clades are known either by their alphanumeric notation as E3a, E3b, Ha, lib, J, RIa and Rlb_or, in popular accounts, by an invented name for the founder of each clade, or 'clan father', for example Sigurd, Oisin, Wodan, Re and Eshu. The features as hereinbefore described may apply to any of the aspects of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a coating composition containing a nucleic acid.

The coating composition may comprise a coating composition for coating any type of surface. The coating composition may be any form of solid or liquid composition.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a coating composition, wherein the method includes the step of introducing a nucleic acid into a carrier coating composition.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of coating a surface by applying thereto a coating composition, wherein the coating composition contains a nucleic acid.

A further aspect of the present invention provides the use of a coating composition containing a nucleic acid for coating a surface to be coated. The nucleic acid sequence may correspond to a nucleic acid sequence of an individual, such that a coating composition may be provided that is tailored to that individual or a group of individuals sharing the same nucleic acid sequence. This may be achieved using conventional techniques of nucleic acid isolation, analysis and synthesis.

The nucleic acid sequence may correspond to a sequence of a nucleic acid sequence of a third party, in particular a known third party, such as a celebrated or noted person.

The nucleic acid sequence may correspond to a sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of an individual, whose ancestry may be determined using any of the known analyses. In a first preferred embodiment, the coating composition is for coating a body surface. The coating composition may comprise a cosmetic composition. The coating composition may comprise a skin care composition. By way of example, a cream or lotion may be provided, although it is to be understood that any form of coating composition may be provided. The coating composition may comprise a fragrance or perfume, which may be applied to the body in any conventional manner.

Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coating composition containing a nucleic acid, wherein the coating composition is for coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a coating composition, wherein the coating composition is for coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal, and wherein the method includes the step of introducing a nucleic acid into a carrier coating composition.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal by applying thereto a coating composition, wherein the coating composition contains a nucleic acid.

A further aspect of the present invention provides the use of a coating composition containing a nucleic acid for coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal. It will be appreciated that the coating composition may be absorbed into the body, typically via the skin. Thus, it may be necessary or desirable to modify the nucleic acid therein, to prevent incorporation of the nucleic acid into the genetic material of a user of the coating composition. For instance, the 3' and 5' ends of DNA may be chemically blocked in such a way as to prevent incorporation of the DNA into the genetic material of the user. On the other hand, it may be desirable that the nucleic acid in the coating composition be assimilated into the genetic material of the user's cells. The nucleic acid may therefore be incorporated into a vector so as to assist its assimilation into the genetic material of the user's cells.

Advantageously, the incorporation of nucleic acids into skin care products may afford a certain degree of protection by blocking ultra-violet radiation which is known to damage DNA within the cells of the dermis. DNA damage occurs when UVA cross-links adjacent T bases in the DNA sequence to produce stable thymine dimers. DNA segments containing these dimers cannot be replicated and, if not repaired by intrinsic mechanisms, will inhibit proper cell division. Nucleic acids applied to the outside of the skin will be damaged by the incident radiation and will thereby reduce its effects before it can penetrate to live cells within the dermis. It is known that DNA damage is an important factor in shortening the life of cells.

Thus, in addition it may be desirable to include an amount of 'carrier' nucleic acid to increase the level of protection against UV damage. A basic skin care composition containing an amount of 'carrier' DNA may be provided. To this basic composition may be added a particular nucleic acid which may be selected as described herein.

The nucleic acid sequence incorporated into the cosmetic or other coating composition may comprise a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor. By way of example, different coating compositions may be provided that contain reconstructed DNA of the seven women who are the maternal ancestors of most Europeans (the clan mothers). When a user applies the a cosmetic or other coating composition to a surface of their body, which coating composition incorporates the DNA from her (or his) clan mother, its presence within the composition enhances the connection between the user and the benign and protective spirit of her or his ancestor. This in turn enhances the psychologically beneficial properties of the product. It is known that psychological impact is an important factor in the commercial success of cosmetic products, such as skin care compositions. The invention is not limited to this embodiment, as other ancestral nucleic acid sequences may equally be used. The enhanced psychological effects of the presence of the DNA of a user's clan mother within a skin care composition, and its direct protective biological effect due to the reduction of DNA damage within the dermal cells, increases the appeal of products that incorporate the composition.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the coating composition comprises a protective and/or decorative coating composition. In particular, the coating composition may comprise paint or the like (including, but not limited to, any varnish, stain, ink, dye, colouring, glaze or wax).

Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective and/or decorative coating composition containing a nucleic acid.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a protective and/or decorative coating composition, wherein the method includes the step of introducing a nucleic acid into a carrier coating composition.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of coating a surface by applying thereto a protective and/or decorative coating composition, wherein the protective and/or decorative coating composition contains a nucleic acid.

A further aspect of the present invention provides the use of a protective and/or decorative coating composition containing a nucleic acid for coating a surface to be coated. It will be appreciated that the protective and/or decorative coating composition may be applied to the surface in any suitable manner, and that any surface may be coated.

In one example, the protective and/or decorative coating composition comprises a paint containing a nucleic acid, and may be used to paint a likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of said human or non-human animal.

Thus, a subject may sit for a painted portrait, wherein the subject's DNA is incorporated into the paint. The incorporation of the sitter's DNA enhances the connection between the portrait and the subject, and endures after the sitter's death.

Alternatively, the nucleic acid sequence incorporated into the paint may comprise a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or a third party such as a celebrated or noted person. By way of example only, in one particular embodiment, DNA is incorporated into paint applied to the canvas of seven portraits. In this embodiment, the portraits are of the seven women who are the maternal ancestors of most Europeans (the clan mothers). These portraits are intended to capture the essence or the spirit of these women, who are the ancestors of at least 400 million people living today. The presence of the reconstructed DNA of the seven women in the paint of their respective portraits enhances their connection within the portraits, particularly in the eyes of those individuals whose clan mother has been determined. The invention is not limited to this embodiment, as other ancestral nucleic acid sequences may equally be used.

Thus, by incorporating nucleic acids into a solid or liquid medium, which comprises, or forms the basis for, an article of commerce, the present invention provides for enhanced connection between the medium and an individual and/or his or her relatives or ancestors. The present invention will now be described further with reference to the following non-limiting specific example.

Example

Preparation of DNA-containing skin cream

A DNA-containing skin cream preparation was made by adding DNA solution to readily available proprietary skin cream, as follows.

200mg of salmon sperm DNA was added to 20ml of distilled water in an inert vessel then heated to 100°C for 5 minutes to assist with its solution at a concentration of lOmg per ml. The DNA solution was then cooled to 55°C. Next, 0.1 ml of this warm solution was added to 10ml of a proprietary aqueous skin cream at room temperature. The skin cream contained, as its main non-aqueous ingredients, 6% w/w Liquid Paraffin BP, 15% w/w white Soft Paraffin BP, 0.1% w/w chlorocresol and emulsifying wax. The mixture was stirred thoroughly and left to stand at room temperature for twelve hours.

No discoloration nor separation of the ingredients was observed either immediately, or after standing at room temperature 12 hours, or at any time up to six months.

The mixture was applied topically to the skin on the forearm of five volunteers. In no case was an adverse reaction observed.

Similarly stable preparations were made by adding DNA solutions to other proprietary skin creams in the same fashion as described.

The addition of the carrier DNA to the skin cream preparations gave relatively high concentrations of DNA. The DNA acts as an effective UV block for a reduction in thymine dimer formation within the DNA of skin cells. These preparations were then used as bases to which were added small amounts of specifically prepared nucleic products, for example amplified mtDNA from the ancestral clan mothers.

Claims

1. A coating composition containing a nucleic acid.

2. A coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid comprises DNA.

3. A coating composition according to claim 2, wherein the DNA is selected from mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA and chromosomal DNA.

4. A coating composition according to claim 3, Wherein the DNA is Y-chromosomal DNA.

5. A coating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid of predetermined sequence.

6. A coating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid isolated from a sample of blood or tissue from a human or non- human animal.

7. A coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the nucleic acid comprises an artificially synthesised or reconstructed nucleic acid.

8. A coating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of a human or non-human animal.

9. A coating composition according to claim 8, wherein the human or non-human animal is a celebrated or noted person.

10. A coating composition according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the human or non- human animal is living.

11. A coating composition according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the human or non- human animal is dead.

12. A coating composition according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid is determined by analysis of a blood or tissue sample from said human or non-human animal.

13. A coating composition according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid is selected from a database of known sequences.

14. A coating composition according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of an individual human or non-human animal.

15. A coating composition according to claim 14, wherein the ancestry, or probable ancestry, of the individual human or non-human animal is based on mitochondrial DNA analysis of said individual human or non-human animal.

16. A coating composition according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the ancestor, or probable ancestor, is matrilineal.

17. A coating composition according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the ancestor, or probable ancestor, is selected from: Ai/Aiyana, Chie/Chochmingwu, Djigonese/Sachi, Emiko, Fufei, Gaia, Helena, Ina, Jasmine, Katrine, Lamia, Lalamika, Lara, Latasha, Latifa, Layla, LiIa, Limber, Lingaire, Lubaya, Makeda, Malaxshmi, Naomi, Nene, Sachi, Tara, Ulaana, UlIa, Ulrike, Uma, Una, Ursula, Uta, Velda, Yumi and Xenia.

18. A coating composition according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the ancestry, or probable ancestry, of the individual human or non-human animal is based on Y-chromosome analysis of said individual human or non-human animal.

19. A coating composition according to any one of claims 14, 15 or 18, wherein the ancestor, or probable ancestor, is patrilineal.

20. A coating composition according to claim 19, wherein the ancestor, or probable ancestor, is selected from: A, B, C, D, E3a, E3b, G2, G5, H, Ila, lib, J, K, L, N, Q, RIa and RIb.

21. A method of manufacturing a coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the method includes the step of introducing a nucleic acid into a carrier coating composition.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of an individual human or non-human animal, and the method comprises a step of determining the ancestry, or probable ancestry, of the individual human or non-human animal.

23. A method of coating a surface by applying thereto a coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

24. The use of a coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20 for coating a surface to be coated.

25. A coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the coating composition is for coating a body surface.

26. A coating composition according to claim 25, wherein the coating composition comprises a cosmetic composition.

27. A coating composition according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the cosmetic composition comprises a skin care composition.

28. A coating composition according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid modified to prevent incorporation of the nucleic acid into the genetic material of a user of the coating composition.

29. A coating composition according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the nucleic acid is incorporated into a vector for assimilation of the nucleic acid into the genetic material of a user of the coating composition.

30. A coating composition containing a nucleic acid, wherein the coating composition is for coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal.

31. A method of manufacturing a coating composition, wherein the coating composition is for coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal, and wherein the method includes the step of introducing a nucleic acid into a carrier coating composition.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of an individual human or non-human animal, and the method comprises a step of determining the ancestry, or probable ancestry, of the individual human or non-human animal.

33. A method according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the method comprises a step of introducing a quantity of a carrier nucleic acid into a carrier coating composition to provide a base coating composition, and a further step of introducing a nucleic acid into the base coating composition.

34. A method of coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal by applying thereto a coating composition, wherein the coating composition contains a nucleic acid.

35. The use of a coating composition containing a nucleic acid for coating a surface of the body of a human or non-human animal.

36. A coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the coating composition comprises a protective and/or decorative coating composition.

37. A coating composition according to claim 36, wherein the coating composition is selected from paint, varnish, stain, ink, dye, colouring, glaze and wax.

38. A coating composition according to claim 37, wherein the coating composition comprises paint.

39. A coating composition according to any one of claims 36 to 38 for use in the manufacture of a likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of said human or non-human animal.

40. A coating composition according to any one of claims 36 to 38 for use in the manufacture of a likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of said human or non-human animal.

41. The use of a coating composition according to any one of claims 36 to 39 for the manufacture of a likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of said human or non-human animal.

42. The use of a coating composition according to any one of claims 36 to 38 or 40 for the manufacture of a likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of said human or non-human animal.

43. A method of manufacture of a likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the method comprises a step forming the likeness, depiction or representation using a coating composition according to any one of claims 36 to 38.

44. A method according to claim 43, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of said human or non-human animal.

45. A method according to claim 43, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid corresponds to a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of an individual human or non-human animal, and the method comprises a step of determining the ancestry, or probable ancestry, of the individual human or non-human animal.

46. A likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the likeness, depiction or representation comprises a nucleic acid having a sequence corresponding to a nucleic acid sequence of said human or non-human animal.

47. A likeness, depiction or representation of a human or non-human animal, wherein the likeness, depiction or representation comprises a nucleic acid having a sequence corresponding to a nucleic acid sequence of an ancestor, or probable ancestor, of said human or non-human animal.

48. A protective and/or decorative coating composition containing a nucleic acid.

49. A method of manufacturing a protective and/or decorative coating composition, wherein the method includes the step of introducing a nucleic acid into a carrier coating composition.

50. A method of coating a surface by applying thereto a protective and/or decorative coating composition, wherein the protective and/or decorative coating composition contains a nucleic acid.

51. The use of a protective and/or decorative coating composition containing a nucleic acid for coating a surface to be coated.