Report: Venter Scientists Build Synthetic Chromosome

6 October 2007

The Guardian. The Synthetic Biology group at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) reportedly has successfully built a synthetic chromosome. A full announcement is due shortly.

The Guardian can reveal that a team of 20 top scientists assembled by Mr Venter, led by the Nobel laureate Hamilton Smith, has already constructed a synthetic chromosome, a feat of virtuoso bio-engineering never previously achieved. Using lab-made chemicals, they have painstakingly stitched together a chromosome that is 381 genes long and contains 580,000 base pairs of genetic code.

The DNA sequence is based on the bacterium Mycoplasma genitalium which the team pared down to the bare essentials needed to support life, removing a fifth of its genetic make-up. The wholly synthetically reconstructed chromosome, which the team have christened Mycoplasma laboratorium, has been watermarked with inks for easy recognition.

In June, researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) successfully transplanted the genome from one species of bacterium into another. (Earlier post.) Venter said the same technique would work for the new synthetic chromosome.

Dr. Smith also heads the JCVI Biological Energy group, which is developing and using biological pathways and microbial metabolism to produce new fuels with higher energy output. Current projects include the development of better understanding and re-engineering of the photosynthetic pathway to divert the sun’s energy into more hydrogen production as well as re-engineering cellulase pathways in certain bacteria to produce ethanol.