The artificial bacterium with a minimum of genes – rmf24.pl

The researchers have designed and synthesized minimal genome of bacteria, containing only those genes that are necessary for life. As it turned out, the number of such genes is exactly 473. This is yet another success of the team, which in 2010 announced the creation of the first laboratory, living, synthetic cell fitted with an artificial DNA replicative. He describes it in its latest issue of the journal “Science.”

         

                              Scientists J. Craig Venter Institute in La Jolla was designed and minimal bacterial genome
                                      / C. Bickel / Science (2016) / press materials
                                     

     

Less than six years ago, a team led by Craig Venter and Clyde Hutchison proved that the genome can be designed in the computer, synthesize in the lab and enter into a living cell so as to obtain new synthetic cell, capable of replication and the remaining under the full control of artificial DNA. Published now the results of this implementation further aim was to simplify the cells to the limit and equipping it with only what is life necessary.

Once again, the researchers used the bacteria Mycoplasma known that in natural conditions they are still the smallest known living organisms genome. On the basis of current knowledge it was designed new hypothetical genomes of eight different segments. Each of them incorporated in the cell was tested for its suitability for life. By the way eliminated genes that may contribute to increase the resilience of life, but not to him absolutely necessary.

The final version of the genome, called JCVI-syn3.0 consists of 473 genes and is less than genome of any living cell, we know. There is no any gene control mechanisms of protection against foreign DNA and the majority of the genes encoding the lipoproteins remain while virtually all of the genes in the process of reading the genetic information and storing it in successive generations.

Interestingly, the possible biological functions of more than 30 the remaining percentage of the JCVI-syn3.0 genes are not known. The authors speculate that they encode proteins Universal, whose activities do not yet understand. They are convinced that the new synthetic genome will be an excellent tool to study basic life functions.

In 2010, the authors of artificial cells had promised that their work will translate into concrete applications, for example, creating bacteria producing biofuels or drugs, or purifying sewage. now should already be much closer to the fulfillment of this promise.