Faster gene synthesis: Synthetic DNA might be the key to better healthcare

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 16, 2023

Insight summary

The chemical synthesis of DNA and its assembly into genes, circuits, and even entire genomes have revolutionized molecular biology. These techniques have made it possible to design, build, test, learn from mistakes, and repeat the cycle until the desired outcome is achieved. This approach is at the heart of synthetic biology innovation. 

Faster gene synthesis context

Synthesis turns digital genetic code into molecular DNA so that researchers can create and produce large quantities of genetic material. The available DNA data has expanded thanks to next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. This development has led to an increase in biological databases containing DNA sequences from every organism and environment. Researchers can now extract, analyze, and modify these sequences more easily due to the greater efficiency in bioinformatics software.

The more biological information scientists have from the "tree of life" (the network of genomes), the better they understand how living things are related genetically. Next-generation sequencing has helped us to better understand diseases, the microbiome, and the genetic diversity of organisms. This sequence boom also enables new scientific disciplines, such as metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, to grow. Access to this information is not only improving current diagnostics and therapeutics but is also paving the way for new medical breakthroughs that will have a lasting impact on human health. 

Additionally, synthetic biology has the potential to impact many areas, such as creating new medicines, materials, and manufacturing processes. In particular, gene synthesis is one of the promising technologies that help build and change genetic sequences very quickly, leading to discoveries of new biological functions. For example, biologists often transfer genes across organisms to test genetic hypotheses or give sample organisms unique traits or capabilities.

Disruptive impact

Chemically synthesized short DNA sequences are essential because they are versatile. They can be used in research laboratories, hospitals, and industry. For example, they were utilized to identify the COVID-19 virus. Phosphoramidites are necessary building blocks in the production of DNA sequences, but they are unstable and break quickly.

In 2021, scientist Alexander Sandahl developed a new patented way to quickly and efficiently manufacture these building blocks for DNA production, significantly speeding up the process before these components disintegrate. The DNA sequences are called oligonucleotides, widely used for identifying diseases, manufacturing drugs, and other medical and biotechnological applications. 

One of the leading biotech firms specializing in synthetic DNA manufacturing is US-based Twist Bioscience. The company links oligonucleotides together to create genes. The price for oligos is declining, as is the time it takes to make them. As of 2022, the cost to develop DNA base pairs is only nine cents. 

Twist's synthetic DNA can be ordered online and sent to a lab in days, after which it's used to create target molecules, which are the building blocks for new food items, fertilizers, industrial products, and medicine. Ginkgo Bioworks, a cell-engineering firm valued at USD $25 billion, is one of Twist's major clients. Meanwhile, in 2022, Twist launched two synthetic DNA controls for the human monkeypox virus to help researchers develop vaccines and treatments. 

Implications of faster gene synthesis

Wider implications of faster gene synthesis may include: 

• The accelerated identification of viruses causing pandemics and epidemics, leading to the more timely development of vaccines.
• More biotechs and startups focusing on gene synthesis technologies in partnership with biopharma firms.
• Governments racing to invest in their respective synthetic DNA labs to develop medicines and industrial materials.
• The cost of synthetic DNA becoming lower, leading to the democratization of genetic research. This trend can also lead to more biohackers who want to experiment on themselves.
• Increased genetic research resulting in faster developments in gene editing and therapy technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9.

Questions to consider

• What are the other benefits of mass-producing synthetic DNA?
• How should governments regulate this sector so that it remains ethical?