UK Scientists Working on Synthesizing Human Genome to Understand DNA Function

Researchers are working on a project to create human genetic material from scratch to understand DNA and develop new medical treatments. The Synthetic Human Genome (SynHG) project aims to build human genetic code in the lab and insert it into living cells for research.

Insights gained from this project could lead to innovative therapies, such as immune-resistant cells for patients with autoimmune diseases or liver damage from viral infections. Prof Jason Chin from the MRC’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology is leading the project.

While reading DNA has been possible for years, writing genomes has been challenging. The SynHG project will start by creating sections of a human chromosome and testing them in human skin cells. The project involves teams from several universities.

Dr Julian Sale from the LMB highlighted the complexity of the human genome and the potential benefits of fully understanding it through genome synthesis. The project also addresses social and ethical issues, led by Prof Joy Zhang at the University of Kent.

Prof Iain Brassington from the University of Manchester sees potential applications in preventing mitochondrial diseases and environmental cleanup. However, he also raised concerns about the misuse of synthetic genomes, such as creating bacteria that could have harmful environmental impacts.

The possibility of designer babies and ethical questions around genetic control were also discussed. Brassington acknowledged the potential risks but emphasized that current concerns about designer babies rely on hypothetical scenarios.

According to the source: The Guardian.