JCVI-syn3.0; Venter's Minimal Synthetic Cell

If like myself you have studied the human genome during your degree, you will most likely have heard of Craig Venter. Though he is often thought of as a controversial figure, his institute has recently achieved what many may consider a genetic breakthrough. They have created the first minimal self-replicating bacterial cell.

What is the purpose of JCVI-syn3.0?

The J.Craig Venter Insitute has claimed that the cell, publicly known as JCVI-syn3,0, 'contains only 531,000 base pairs and just 473 genes making it the smallest genome of any self-replicating organism' (JCVI, 2016). Its speedy replication is due to the capabilities of it's bacterial hosts, Mycoplasma mycoides and M. capricolum (R. Service, 2016). The aim of its creation and the institutes continued research is that eventually we will be able to design cells that could never exist as a product of the natural genetic process. Since the project started in 1995, the program has achieved multiple milestones (see timeline below).

Their research has also developed more advanced methods of genome synthesis which allow for 'more rapid, more accurate, and more robust methods for going from oligonucleotides (small pieces of DNA) to whole chromosomes'. Considering that 10 years ago we were unable to manufacture the bacterial chromosome, to be able to do it presently in such a short time span is a significant triumph.

What do others think of JCVI-syn3.0?

“It’s an important step to creating a living cell where the genome is fully 
defined” 

'complete definition remains a ways off, because the function of 149 of Syn 3.0’s genes—roughly one-third—
remains unknown'.

- Chris Voigt, synthetic biologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge 

'Synthetic bacteria could be dangerous'.

"If you release new organisms into the environment, you can do more harm than good," she said.

"By releasing them into areas of pollution, [with the aim of cleaning it up], you're actually releasing a new kind of pollution".

"We don't know how these organisms will behave in the environment.' 

- Dr Helen Wallace of Genewatch UK

As you can see, there are both pro's and cons to the development of synthetic cells as well as ethical issues that must be addressed. However, the creation of of JCVI-syn3.0 is still causing a lot of excitement in the field of modern genetics. 

To read more and access related documents, visit http://www.jcvi.org/cms/research/projects/minimal-cell/overview/

References:

> Service, R., "Synthetic Microbe Lives With Fewer Than 500 Genes". Science. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.

>"JCVI: Research / Projects / Minimal Cell / Overview". Jcvi.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.

>Gill, V., "'Artificial Life' Breakthrough Announced By Scientists". BBC News. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.