Scientists have achieved a significant milestone in synthetic biology by developing the first living cell controlled entirely by synthetic DNA. This breakthrough, led by Dr. Craig Venter and his team at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Maryland and California, represents a major step towards creating artificial life[1][4].
The researchers accomplished this feat by:
1. Copying an existing bacterial genome
2. Sequencing its genetic code
3. Chemically constructing a synthetic copy using “synthesis machines”
4. Transplanting the synthetic genome into a recipient cell of a different organism
Once the synthetic DNA was inserted into the host cell, it took control and converted the cell into the species specified by the synthetic genetic code. The resulting microbe behaved and replicated according to the instructions in the synthetic DNA, producing over a billion copies[4].
This achievement builds upon previous work by the JCVI team, who had earlier created a synthetic bacterial genome and successfully transplanted the genome of one bacterium into another[4]. The current breakthrough combines these methods to create what they call a “synthetic cell,” although only its genome is truly synthetic.
Key aspects of this development include:
1. Minimal genome: The team created a minimal cell (JCVI-syn3.0) with only 473 genes, making it the simplest living cell ever known[1].
2. Cell division improvements: By adding 19 genes, including 7 for normal cell division, they created JCVI-syn3A, which divides more uniformly[1].
3. Potential applications: This technology could lead to engineered cells that produce drugs, foods, fuels, detect diseases, and even function as tiny computers[1].
4. Fundamental research: The work contributes to understanding the basic design rules of life and identifying essential cellular components[1].
While this breakthrough has been hailed as a scientific landmark, it also raises some concerns:
1. Safety and security: There are worries about potential misuse, such as the development of biological weapons[2].
2. Environmental impact: The release of synthetic organisms into the environment could have unknown and potentially irreversible effects on ecosystems[2].
3. Ethical considerations: Some critics argue that creating synthetic life forms raises ethical questions and that the potential benefits may be overstated[4].
4. Regulatory challenges: The current regulatory framework may need to be reassessed to address the implications of synthetic biology advances[2].
Despite these concerns, researchers are optimistic about the future applications of this technology. Dr. Venter likened the advance to creating new software for cells, opening up possibilities for designing bacterial cells that could produce medicines and fuels, and potentially even absorb greenhouse gases[4].
As this field progresses, scientists continue to work on developing and integrating various cellular processes, such as DNA replication, cell growth, and division, to create more sophisticated synthetic cells[3]. The ultimate goal is to achieve a fully functional synthetic cell cycle, which would be a crucial step towards creating truly artificial life.
More Reading
[1] https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2021/03/scientists-develop-cell-synthetic-genome-grows-and-divides-normally
[2] https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106648
[3] https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2021/september/artificial-cells.html
[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24772-8
[5] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/synthetic-genome-cell/