Synthetic biology – spooky future of life

What is Synthetic Biology?

Synthetic biology, a revolutionary field at the intersection of biology and engineering, is reshaping our understanding of life and its potential applications. It involves redesigning organisms for specific purposes by engineering them to have new abilities. This discipline is not just about modifying existing biological systems but also about constructing entirely new ones.

The Latest Advances

In recent years, synthetic biology has seen remarkable advancements. Here are some key areas:

Genetic Editing: CRISPR-Cas9, a groundbreaking gene-editing technology, has become a cornerstone in synthetic biology. It allows precise modifications in the DNA of organisms, opening up vast possibilities in medicine, agriculture, and beyond.

Synthetic Cells: Researchers are making strides in creating synthetic cells that mimic natural cells’ functions. This could lead to the development of artificial life forms with tailored functionalities.

Bio-computing: Integrating biological systems with computing technologies has led to the development of biological circuits that can process information similar to computers.

Key Players in the Field

Several universities, organizations, and companies are at the forefront of synthetic biology research:

  • Universities:

    • MIT’s Synthetic Biology Center is pioneering research in creating standardized biological parts.
    • Harvard’s Wyss Institute focuses on biologically inspired engineering, including organ-on-a-chip technology. Projects include:  AminoX: This technology is designed to make protein drugs safer by ensuring they become active only in specific environments like the tumor microenvironment. It aims to avoid immune-related adverse effects by incorporating non-standard amino acids into strategic positions of protein drugs. HarborSite: This platform focuses on precise and efficient gene editing for next-generation gene therapies. It uses highly specific and efficient recombinases for integrating therapeutic genes into genomic safe harbors, ensuring safer and more durable gene therapies. Plastivores: This project involves identifying microbes with the potential to degrade multiple types of plastic. Through synthetic biology, these microbes are evolved in the lab into more effective plastic-eating microbes, which could be deployed globally to decompose plastic waste. Pancreatitis Tx: This is the first disease-modifying therapy aimed at safely and effectively treating different forms of pancreatitis. It involves an engineered protein treatment. Ichor: Focused on reversing aging, Ichor is identifying genetic interventions that can reprogram old cells to a younger state, potentially improving survival for cancer patients and enhancing long-term cardiovascular and neurological health. Sparkle: This technology is developing instant fluorescent biosensors for real-time imaging, revolutionizing the binder assay industry.
    • Stanford University’s Bioengineering department is known for its work in genome engineering and synthetic gene circuits.

  • Companies:

    • Ginkgo Bioworks, known for organism design, is leveraging synthetic biology for industrial applications.
    • Synthorx (now part of Sanofi) is advancing therapeutics through synthetic biology.
    • Amyris is applying synthetic biology in sustainable production of chemicals and fuels.

  • Organizations:

    • The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation promotes education and competition in synthetic biology.
    • The Synthetic Biology Project at the Wilson Center provides insights and policy analysis on the field.

Leading Academics

  • Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, pioneers of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, continue to advance gene-editing research.
  • George Church at Harvard University is renowned for his work in genome sequencing and synthetic biology.
  • Jay Keasling at UC Berkeley has made significant contributions to synthetic biology in sustainable chemical production.
  • Christopher Voigt, Ph.D.: Co-director of the Synthetic Biology Center, Voigt’s research focuses on developing new methods that push the boundaries of genetic engineering. His work involves creating genetic circuits in living cells, programming them to perform various functions. This technology has diverse applications, such as developing self-fertilizing cereal crops and creating metallic nanomaterials. One notable project of his is aimed at eliminating carbon emissions from agriculture and developing crops resilient to climate stresses.

The Next 5 Years and Beyond

Over the next five years, we anticipate:

  1. Personalized Medicine: Tailored treatments and gene therapies will become more prevalent, addressing individual genetic profiles.
  2. Sustainable Solutions: Synthetic biology will play a crucial role in developing sustainable agricultural practices and biofuels, reducing our carbon footprint.
  3. Biosecurity: As the field advances, ethical considerations and biosecurity measures will become increasingly important.

In the long term, synthetic biology could lead to revolutionary changes in how we approach healthcare, environmental issues, and even the creation of novel life forms. The potential is vast, limited only by our imagination and ethical considerations.