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Gene synthesis involves creating synthetic genes that can be inserted into DNA sequences, with numerous uses in research and agriculture. The process is relatively low-cost and accessible to researchers of all sizes. Gene optimization can also be performed to ensure correct expression in new organisms. However, there are ethical and legal concerns regarding the possibility of creating dangerous pathogens.
Gene synthesis is a method used to produce synthetic genes that can be inserted into DNA sequences. There are numerous uses for artificial genes, ranging from pure research to developing crops that can resist certain pests. A number of companies around the world offer gene synthesis to their customers, using a variety of techniques and types of equipment. The cost for gene synthesis is also relatively low, making the process accessible to researchers and institutions of all sizes.
In gene synthesis, the person requesting the artificial gene sends the data to a lab and the lab builds the gene. The DNA fragment that makes up the synthetic gene is encoded in a vector that can be used to insert the gene into a DNA strand. The vector commonly includes markers so that the gene is easy to find; these markers can also be used when researchers want to look at genetic mutations or track synthetic genes when used in applications such as agriculture.
This method contrasts with cloning, where a scientist creates a copy of an area of genetic interest from an existing DNA sample. Cloning can be problematic and error-prone, and can also be time consuming, as the gene must be carefully identified and verified. Gene synthesis also allows scientists to change the nature of the gene and the way it expresses proteins, a very useful trait.
Laboratories can also perform gene optimization, where a gene is adjusted to ensure that it is expressed correctly when it is inserted into a new organism. For example, if a gene that confers resistance to pests is inserted into maize, the proteins may not express themselves as desired due to limitations and conflicts in maize. In these cases, the gene synthesis process will include steps that optimize the gene to work with the organism it is inserted into.
While the ability to use artificial genes has many advantages for scientific researchers, it also comes with some ethical and legal issues. Since gene synthesis can be ordered by anyone in the world, there is a possibility that someone could use labs to create dangerous pathogens, by ordering small bits and pieces from multiple labs and stitching them back together. Synthetically produced pathogens could pose a serious problem for governments fighting biological warfare, as pathogens would be difficult to identify and treat.
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