For the first time, scientists have managed to create a synthetic eukaryotic genome. Using yeast cells, they fully reconstructed its DNA in a planned manner, creating a more resistant yeast with a higher capacity to produce spores. This innovation could revolutionize biotechnology, making industrial and agricultural processes more efficient and sustainable.
The creation of synthetic genomes represents a major breakthrough, allowing living organisms to be designed for specific functions. While the idea of creating synthetic life from scratch still belongs to science fiction, artificial genomes are already a reality. The research team, led by synthetic biologist Hugh Goold from Macquarie University in Australia, developed the first complete synthetic genome for a eukaryotic species. Prior to this, only prokaryotic genomes (unicellular organisms without a nucleus) had been synthesized in the lab.
Unlike prokaryotes, eukaryotes have a nucleus and specialized organelles, making their genome much more complex. Creating a synthetic eukaryotic genome required a sophisticated genetic engineering process, involving the replacement and reprogramming of large segments of yeast DNA.
Synthetic Yeast: A Decade of Development
The yeast used in the experiment, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is known for its role in bread, beer, and wine production. As part of the ambitious Sc2.0 Project, its genome was reconstructed to optimize desirable traits, such as increased resistance to spontaneous mutations and higher spore production.
This process took over ten years to complete. The genome reconstruction not only improved yeast’s resistance to diseases and climate changes but also increased productivity in food and biofuel manufacturing.
According to the researchers, this technology can help protect supply chains during crises such as pandemics, conflicts, and climate change. The ability to design customized microorganisms could ensure the production of essential raw materials for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The Construction of the First Synthetic Chromosome
To create a functional synthetic chromosome within the modified genome, Goold’s team used several S. cerevisiae strains that already contained synthetic DNA segments. These strains were subjected to backcrossing— a process where genetically distinct cells are repeatedly crossed to select the best genetic combinations.
However, the resulting strain, called SynXVI, faced growth difficulties and unexpected mutations. After a series of analyses, the researchers identified errors in the placement of genetic markers—small DNA sequences used to track genes within the genome. These errors hindered the functioning of the cells.
The team corrected these problems using CRISPR D-BUGS, an advanced gene-editing tool capable of locating and repairing defective sections of DNA. To enhance the yeast’s resistance and growth, the scientists cultured it in a medium rich in glycerol, which provides carbon for its metabolism. During testing, they discovered that part of the modified genome was causing a copper deficiency in the yeast. This issue was solved by adding copper sulfate to the growth medium, restoring its chemical balance.
The Future of Synthetic Genomics
Despite the challenges, this technology opens new possibilities for biotechnology. In addition to food production, eukaryotic microorganisms can be designed to manufacture biofuels, industrial enzymes, and even medicines more efficiently and sustainably.
“S. cerevisiae has great potential in creating new chromosome libraries,” the researchers wrote in Nature. “[This includes] neochromosomes and genomes transferable to cells, enabling the creation of life forms adapted to humanity’s needs.”
Although we are still far from creating synthetic genomes for complex organisms like mammals, this breakthrough represents a crucial step in genetic engineering. For now, synthetic yeast becomes a promising model for the future of biotechnology and medicine.
The creation of a synthetic eukaryotic genome opens doors to a series of scientific and industrial advancements, but also raises deep ethical questions. Among the main dilemmas are the risks of genetic homogenization, manipulation of life, and socioeconomic impacts.
Risk of Human Homogenization
Although scientists have currently only synthesized the genome of yeast, the possibility of creating artificial genomes for more complex organisms, including mammals and eventually humans, cannot be ruled out. This raises the debate over genetic homogenization, i.e., the creation of genetically uniform populations.
If genetic engineering were applied to humans on a large scale, there could be a risk of genetic standardization, where specific traits are selected and replicated, reducing the natural diversity of the species. This could occur through:
- Genetic Eugenics: The attempt to eliminate “undesirable” genes and promote “superior” traits.
- Extreme Artificial Selection: If genetic editing were used to modify babies before birth, wealthy families could pay for genetic “enhancements,” creating a biological elite.
- Genetic Vulnerability: A genetically homogeneous population could be more susceptible to new diseases, as genetic variability is a key factor for evolutionary adaptation.
Creation of Synthetic Beings and the Ethics of Life
Another debate involves the creation of entirely synthetic living organisms. This raises the philosophical and moral question: who has the right to create life?
Genetic engineering could allow the creation of new species of animals and even forms of life artificially designed for specific functions. Some concerns include:
- Beings created for specific tasks: If an organism is created to perform a function—such as producing pharmaceutical substances or acting as a biological worker—this would raise questions about its autonomy and rights.
- Barriers between the natural and artificial: As synthetic organisms become more common, we may face dilemmas about what can still be considered “natural.”
Impacts on Society and the Economy
Synthetic biotechnology could radically transform sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and even the food industry. However, this transformation may generate inequalities and social challenges:
- Concentration of technology: Powerful companies could monopolize the production of synthetic organisms, making biotechnology a tool for economic domination.
- Extinction of natural species: If synthetic organisms outperform natural ones in efficiency, biodiversity could be harmed.
- Biohacking and bioterrorism: Genetic technology could be used by unregulated groups to create dangerous organisms or custom pathogens.
Synthetic genomics brings extraordinary advancements but also presents ethical dilemmas that will need to be discussed by society. Strict regulation will be essential to ensure these technologies are used responsibly, without compromising biological diversity and fundamental human values.
