Institute scientists J. Craig Venter in the U.S. have gotten a synthetic genome, created for themselves by chemical synthesis, controls the functions of a bacterial cell. Researchers have replaced the genome of the bacterium Mycoplasma capricolum by another synthetic sequence of Mycoplasma mycoides species, so that the former has begun to act self-replicating as the second. This development can help solve energy and environmental problems.
"We created a 'synthetic cell' as it is controlled by a genome assembly with chemically synthesized DNA fragments," he told SINC Daniel Gibson, J. Institute investigator Craig Venter of the U.S.. Scientists of the Foundation presented today in the journal Science to the bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1.0 ', the first cell controlled by a synthetic genome.
The team had already achieved on the one hand, and copy chemically synthesize a bacterial genome, and secondly, transplanted the genome of one bacterium to another. What they have achieved now is to bring the two approaches: first synthesized the genome of Mycoplasma mycoides and then transplanted to Mycoplasma capricolum, which is drawn from his own.
The new genome able to "extract" or activate the receptor cell to produce proteins and self-replicate and M. mycoides. Thus emerged JCVI-syn1.0 Mycoplasma mycoides, "which can not be considered a new species or subspecies because it is very similar to the natural," says Gibson. "As the DNA software builds its own hardware, we expect that the properties of the cells controlled by the synthetic genome are the same as it would if the entire cell been produced synthetically. "
The synthetic genome is a copy of the original except for 14 genes. The researcher explains that two is disrupted during the process, "but the other twelve were deleted or intentionally altered, ten of them to form four sequences that act as 'watermarks' to differentiate the synthetic genome from life, and replace the genes we knew we were not essential for viability. "
Scientists refer to the resulting cells as 'synthetic', but really is synthetic genome. Gilbson clear that, while the cytoplasm of the recipient cell is not synthetic "After transplanting and replicate it on a plate to form a colony, the progeny will not contain any proteins that were present in the original host cell."
energy and environmental applications
For now, scientists have modeled the genome of M. mycoides, but in future they would like to develop more original and create bacteria capable of performing specific tasks to help solve problems such as energy, with fuel production, or the environment, using microorganisms to clean up contaminated environments.
"We learned a lot with this proof of concept experiment and are now ready to build different bodies, "says Gibson. "For example, we would use the sequence information available and create cells that produce energy, pharmaceuticals, industrial compounds, or allowing sequester carbon dioxide."
Researchers also hope that the method developed ways to better understand the basic mechanisms that drive life. "We have already begun working with the ultimate goal of synthesizing a minimal cell, with only the machinery necessary for independent living," said the scientist.
"Now we are able to synthesize a cell of a synthetic genome, we can test its functionality. We must reduce the synthetic genome and repeat the experiments in transplantation until no more genes can be deleted, and the genome is as small as possible. This will help us understand the function of each gene in a cell and what DNA is required to sustain the more simple lifestyle, "he continues.
The study points out that if the methods described can be generalized, "the design, synthesis, assembly and synthetic chromosomes transplantation will no longer be an obstacle to the progress of synthetic biology, and is expected The costs of the procedures will become cheaper and automatic. MPLICATIONS
ethical I
The authors also refer to the publication of the ethical implications of this advance in biology: "The ethical arguments concerning the synthesis of life we \u200b\u200bhave them from the earliest stages of the study. As will extend the applications of synthetic genomics, we anticipate that this work will continue to raise philosophical issues with social and ethical implications. We encourage the ongoing dialogue. "
"Any new area of \u200b\u200bscience or technology can be used to positive ends (in the If synthetic genomics: new biofuels, new vaccines and medicines, drinking water ...) or can be used in a negative way, "Gibson raises.
"From the first day of the research program to create synthetic cell, for almost 15 years we have worked hard to establish a dialogue with experts in bioethics, the governments of the U.S. and other countries, members of Congress, educators students and the media. This area of \u200b\u200bscience has been analyzed in detail and we believe has great potential for the good of society if used wisely. We intend to be leaders in making this a reality " concludes.
Source: SINC
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