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Updated: Sep 3, 2025
12:20
Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses
Published on: December 29, 2015
21.5K
Synthetic chromosomes, genomes, viruses, and cells
J Craig Venter1, John I Glass1, Clyde A Hutchison1
1The J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA.
Cell
|July 22, 2022
Summary
Synthetic genomics constructs viruses, bacteria, and cells with synthetic genomes. This field revolutionizes medicine, industry, and agriculture through advances in DNA synthesis and cell engineering.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Genomics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Synthetic genomics involves creating synthetic genomes for viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic cells.
- It encompasses genome synthesis and the 'booting up' of synthetic nucleic acids into functional organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the foundational processes and significant achievements in synthetic genomics.
- To highlight the transformative impact of synthetic genomics across various scientific and industrial sectors.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of complete viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic genomes or chromosomes.
- In vitro or in vivo 'booting up' of synthetic nucleic acids to generate viable organisms.
Main Results:
- Pioneering work led to the construction of synthetic viruses, revolutionizing viral reverse genetics and vaccine development.
- The creation of the first synthetic bacterial cell enabled minimal cell construction and engineered *E. coli* strains with enhanced functionalities.
- Advancements include synthetic yeast genomes and novel approaches for artificial chromosomes in plants and animals.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic genomics has demonstrated significant progress, from viral and bacterial systems to complex eukaryotic cells.
- Emerging advancements in DNA synthesis promise to unlock unprecedented opportunities in medicine, industry, agriculture, and fundamental research.
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