Synthetic Biology is a field of science dedicated to studying and redesigning organisms to have new abilities or purposes. This feat can be done by understanding how DNA instructs cells and then altering that DNA to do new things. However, as straightforward as it sounds, our understanding of how cells work has always been insufficient, hindering our ability to create synthetic organisms. That is what makes recent advancements in the field such an amazing accomplishment, as it marks a milestone of progression, and opens up a potential future of using engineered organisms to address widespread issues.
Background:
The first cell with a synthetic genome was constructed in 2010, named JCVI-syn3A. Scientists started with a simple type of bacteria called mycoplasma and replaced the DNA inside of the cells with one that was designed and synthesized in a lab. This big breakthrough was the start of advancements made possible through new research and new technology. For instance, in 2021, scientists were finally able to identify the 7 genes used in cell division by nearly all modern bacterial species. Using this new information, the team was able to develop more variations of the JCVI-syn3A, with each one being more accurate to the natural bacteria than the last. Their variations JCVI-syn3.0 and JCVI-syn3A provide a platform for investigating how modern cell division and cell size have evolved, researching membrane composition, and exploring commercial applications.
Uses:
With all of the developments being made, researchers across multiple industries have created and commercialized products using synthetic biology. In fact, it is predicted that the synthetic biology market could grow from $10 billion in 2021 to between $37 to $100 billion dollars by 2030. One key contributor to this market could be living therapeutics. Living therapeutics are processes enabled by synthetic organisms, which are used to treat or cure diseases directly in patients before degrading over time. Although it is not advanced enough to have solid, affordable treatment plans available, living therapeutics go hand in hand with cellular therapy, and have the most potential to change lives. Additional areas scientists hope to improve with the use of these organisms are the fashion and agriculture industry, as well as environmental pollution. For example, they are developing technology to engineer proteins that can be used for sustainable fabrics or microbes that can decontaminate water and soil.
Concerns:
Despite all of the positive effects of synthetic organisms, there are also many concerns about the misuse of these organisms. For instance, some specialists have raised concerns about the possible irreversible environmental damage that could be caused by the intentional or accidental release of genetically engineered organisms. Furthermore, because it is a rapidly evolving field with new discoveries being made each day, it is difficult to set government-bound regulations in place.
Like most things, it is important to find a balance with synthetic organisms. Although they have the potential to change our lives for the better, the misuse of the technologies or the organisms themselves could lead to irreversible environmental damage. When approached with caution, however, synthetic biology is a fascinating field of study that has dedicated scientists discovering new things each day.
References
Hawgood, UCSF. “Home.” Living Therapeutics Initiative, https://livingcelltherapy.ucsf.edu/home. Accessed 8 July 2023.
“Genes Necessary for Cell Division in Modern Bacterial Cells Identified.” J. Craig Venter Institute, 29 Mar. 2021, https://www.jcvi.org/media-center/genes-necessary-cell-division-modern-bacterial-cells-identified.
Office, U. S. “Science & Tech Spotlight: Synthetic Biology.” GAO Logo, https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106648. Accessed 8 July 2023.
“Risks and Potential Rewards of Synthetic Biology.” UNEP, 21 Mar. 2019, http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/risks-and-potential-rewards-synthetic-biology.
Zimmer, Carl. “Scientists Created Bacteria With a Synthetic Genome. Is This Artificial Life? (Published 2019).” The New York Times, 15 May 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/15/science/synthetic-genome-bacteria.html.
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