Nature Communications: Synthetic yeast genome 'cleared', last chromosome created!
This achievement marks the successful conclusion of the International Yeast Genome Synthesis Project (Sc2.0) and can be regarded as an important milestone in the field of synthetic biology!
In 2011, over 200 top scientists from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and other countries, with ambitious ambitions to explore the mysteries of life, jointly launched the Sc2.0 project.
As a landmark international collaborative project in synthetic genomics research, it aims to redesign and synthesize all 16 chromosomes of brewing yeast (with a total length of approximately 12Mb, 1Mb is equivalent to millions of base pairs).
This is the first time that humans have challenged the de novo design and synthesis of eukaryotic genomes, and the difficulty is beyond imagination!
A great breakthrough in synthetic biology! A panoramic review of the birth process, design ideas, and future potential of the artificial Escherichia coli Syn61!
During the research process, the research team utilized cutting-edge gene editing technologies such as CRISPR D-BUGS, like holding a precise "molecular scissor", to accurately identify and correct genetic errors that affect yeast growth.
It is amazing that the modified yeast strain can continue to grow in high-temperature environments using glycerol as a key carbon source, greatly enhancing its adaptability.
The research also brought significant discoveries! Scientists have found that placing genetic markers near uncertain gene regions can interfere with the activation and deactivation of key genes, especially in important life processes such as copper metabolism and cell division.
This discovery provides a key reference for future genome engineering projects and also points the way for the design of other organisms.
Based on the above findings, the team successfully synthesized the synXVI chromosome.
This is not an ordinary chromosome, it can be called a "master key" that unlocks more possibilities for metabolic engineering and strain optimization.
With it, the development of yeast with stronger biotechnology application capabilities becomes faster, and genetic diversity can be produced on demand.
In the future, researchers can design, construct, and debug engineered chromosomes to create more resilient organisms that safeguard the stability of food and drug production supply chains.
In the future, the way important resources such as drugs and sustainable materials are produced may be completely transformed as a result.
From industrial fermentation to environmental remediation, synthetic biology has shown tremendous potential.
In the field of industrial fermentation, customized synthetic yeast is expected to bring us products with better taste and better quality.
In terms of environmental governance, the synthesis of special microorganisms will help to efficiently degrade plastics and purify industrial wastewater.
However, the development of new technologies also comes with risks, and we must strengthen supervision and evaluation to ensure that synthetic biology technology serves humanity safely and sustainably.
