Researchers at the University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Science have unveiled a groundbreaking technique named CReATiNG (Cloning Reprogramming and Assembling Tiled Natural Genomic DNA). This innovative approach simplifies and reduces the cost of constructing synthetic chromosomes, potentially transforming genetic engineering across various fields from medicine to biotechnology.
CReATiNG involves cloning and reassembling natural DNA segments from yeast, allowing the engineering of synthetic chromosomes to seamlessly replace their native counterparts within cells. The method enables fusion across different yeast strains, facilitates structural alterations, and permits the simultaneous deletion of multiple genes.
Lead author Ian Ehrenreich, professor of biological sciences at USC Dornsife, highlighted the method's potential to genetically reprogram organisms in complex ways, surpassing the capabilities of tools like CRISPR. The study, published in Nature Communications, positions CReATiNG as a cost-effective alternative to the traditional, labor-intensive process of synthesizing whole chromosomes or genomes from scratch using chemically synthesized DNA pieces.
Alessandro Coradini, the study's first author and a postdoctoral fellow, emphasized CReATiNG's transformative potential by leveraging natural DNA fragments. This method provides a more accessible avenue for researchers to address challenges in science and medicine, making advanced genetic research more feasible.
The implications of CReATiNG extend beyond the laboratory, potentially revolutionizing biotechnology and medicine. It could enhance pharmaceutical and biofuel production efficiency, aid in developing cell therapies for diseases like cancer, and contribute to environmental bioremediation by engineering bacteria to consume pollutants.
The study's intriguing revelation is the impact of rearranging chromosome segments in yeast on their growth rates. Specific modifications led to growth rates up to 68 percent faster or slower, underscoring the intricate relationship between genetic structure and biological function.
CReATiNG emerges as a powerful force in synthetic biology, streamlining genetic research while democratizing access to advanced tools. Positioned at the forefront of a new era in biological science, CReATiNG's implications have the potential to shape the future of genetic engineering and medicine.
