Synthetic life – new organism with 473 genes
As published in Science on 24 March 2016, the team around Craigh Venter created a new organism named ‘JCVI-syn3.0’ which grows and reproduces with only 473 genes. This is the smallest genome of every living organism known so far, and this genome was built in a laboratory. It is not related to anything in nature.
It was very interesting to read that they know the functions of 324 genes, however do not understand the remaining 149 genes which are required for survival and reproduction. The goal is to define what it means to be considered alive.
The trend might be frightening, however also very promising for the future – and to me a breakthrough in genomic science. The organism might be a model for studies in gene expression, a basis for medicament development or engineering, we don’t know yet. For sure this is a milestone in molecular biology.
Interested? Read more:
- Nature | News: ‘Minimal’ cell raises stakes in race to harness synthetic life
- Spiegel online: Mini-Genom aus dem Labor: Forscher kreieren das kleinste Lebewesen der Welt
- Wikipedia: Minimal genome
- Wikipedia: Craigh Venter