Synthetic Human Genome Project

The Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG) has been launched in the UK with the ambitious goal of constructing artificial human DNA from scratch.

This project represents a major scientific leap from decoding to designing human genetic material.

About Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG)

Aim: To design and construct an entire human genome from chemically synthesized DNA.
- The project will allow them to “write” life, by attempting to create the first fully synthetic human chromosome initially.
Participants: The project is being led by institutions like the Ellison Institute of Technology, University of Oxford, Cambridge, Kent, Manchester and Imperial College London.
Support: The Project is supported and funded by the Wellcome Trust with an initial £10m to start the project.
Care-full Synthesis: It is a social science program embedded within the project to allow stakeholders to explore the ethical, legal, and societal implications of the developments.

First Artificially Genome

The first artificially created genome was for the virus Phi X 174, synthesized by a team led by Craig Venter using a method called Polymerase Chain Assembly (PCA).
This achievement laid the foundation for today’s synthetic genome research.

Scientific and Societal Significance

Advancement in Genomic Science:
Synthetic DNA allows for new ways to study how genes function, going beyond the limitations of editing naturally occurring DNA.
Medical Potential:
- Development of disease-resistant cells
- Possibility to regenerate damaged organs
- Innovations in organ transplantation and immune system repair
- Potential for healthier ageing and improved quality of life
Applications in Other Areas:
- The technology could also help engineer crops that are more resilient to climate change, contributing to global food security.

Risks and Concerns

Moral and Ethical Questions: Creating synthetic human DNA raises concerns about humans “playing God” and altering the fundamental aspects of life.
Commercialization and Oversight Challenges: There are fears that rapid commercialization by private entities may outpace regulation, and that once the technology is available, its misuse could be difficult to prevent.
Dual-Use Risk: Although intended for good, this technology could be repurposed for harmful applications, including biological warfare.

What is a Synthetic Genome?

A synthetic genome is an artificially constructed set of genetic instructions (DNA) that mimics or modifies the natural genome of an organism.
Unlike traditional genetic editing—where small changes are made to existing DNA—synthetic genomics involves building entire sequences of DNA from scratch using chemical processes.

Methods to Create Synthetic Genomes

Chemical DNA Synthesis
- Short DNA fragments (called oligonucleotides) are chemically synthesized in labs.
- These are then assembled into longer sequences using enzymatic or physical methods.
Gene Assembly Techniques
- Overlapping synthetic fragments are stitched together using polymerase cycling assembly (PCA) or Gibson assembly.
- These methods allow researchers to construct entire genes or chromosomes in a stepwise manner.
In Vitro and In Vivo Assembly
- DNA segments may be assembled outside cells (in vitro) or inserted into host organisms like yeast (in vivo) for natural assembly and replication.
- Yeast is commonly used due to its ability to stably maintain and replicate large DNA constructs.
Error Correction and Validation
- As synthetic DNA is prone to errors, multiple rounds of sequencing and correction are done to ensure accuracy and function.
Functional Testing
- The synthetic DNA is introduced into cellular systems to test whether it behaves like natural DNA—e.g., whether it produces proteins or regulates other genes correctly.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

Timeline: 1990–2003
Goal: To map and sequence all human genes – identifying the complete set of DNA in humans.
Outcome: Revolutionized genomics, paved the way for genomic medicine, and enabled rapid identification of disease genes.

India Genome Project

Launched by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
Objective: To sequence the genomes of thousands of Indians to understand the genetic diversity of the population.
Purpose:
- Enables precision medicine in the Indian context.
- Helps in identifying disease susceptibility and response to drugs among Indian sub-populations.
- Promotes indigenous genomic research capacity.

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