Designer cells: Using synthetic biology to edit our genetic code

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 12, 2021

The breakthroughs in synthetic biology have paved the way for the creation of designer cells, affecting numerous sectors from healthcare to agriculture. These engineered cells, capable of producing novel proteins, could offer personalized disease treatments, more resilient crops, and sustainable energy solutions. However, this technological leap also brings siignificant ethical and societal challenges, such as access inequality and potential ecological disruptions, requiring careful global regulation and thoughtful discourse.

Designer cells context

Scientists have spent decades trying to manufacture life. In 2016 they created a synthetic cell from scratch. Unfortunately, the cell had unpredictable growth patterns, making it extremely difficult to study. However, in 2021 scientists managed to pinpoint seven genes that lead to consistent cell growth. Understanding these genes is vital for scientists to create synthetic cells.

Meanwhile, other scientific advances have made it possible to change existing cells to adopt “designer functions.” In essence, synthetic biology can make these cells gain novel qualities by altering protein synthesis mechanisms. Protein synthesis is essential to cellular growth and modification. 

Symbiogenesis is the most accepted theory of how cells work today. The theory states that when bacteria engulfed each other two billion years ago, the cells did not get digested. Instead, they formed a mutually beneficial relationship, forming the eukaryotic cell. The eukaryotic cell has complex protein-building machinery that can build any protein coded in the cell’s genetic material. 

German scientists have inserted synthetic organelles that can modify the cell’s genetic material to code for entirely new proteins. That feat means the engineered cell can now produce novel proteins without any changes in its routine functions.

Disruptive Impact

The advent of designer cells could change the way we treat diseases and manage health. Cells may be designed to specifically target and eliminate cancer, or to produce insulin for those with diabetes, reducing the need for external medication. This feat could lead to a significant shift in the pharmaceutical industry, as the focus might move from drug production to the design and manufacture of specific cells. For individuals, this could mean more personalized and effective treatments, potentially improving quality of life and longevity.

For industries beyond healthcare, designer cells could also have profound implications. In agriculture, plants could be engineered with cells that are more resistant to pests or harsh weather conditions, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and increasing food security. In the energy sector, cells could be designed to efficiently convert sunlight into biofuels, offering a sustainable solution to energy needs. Companies operating in these sectors would need to adapt to these new technologies, potentially requiring new skills and knowledge, and governments would need to establish regulations to ensure safety and ethical use.

However, the widespread use of designer cells also raises important ethical and societal questions that need to be addressed. Who will have access to these technologies? Will they be affordable for everyone or only for those who can pay? More importantly, how will we ensure that the use of designer cells does not lead to unintended consequences, such as new diseases or environmental issues? Governments may need to establish global regulations to adequately address these questions.

Implications of designer cells 

Wider implications of designer cells may include:

• Human cells being engineered to become immune to the effects of aging. 
• New industries centered around cell design and manufacturing, leading to job creation and increased investment in biotechnology.
• Designer cells being used to clean up environmental pollutants, leading to a cleaner, healthier environment.
• The production of more nutritious crops contributing to improved public health and reducing healthcare costs.
• The creation of biofuels leading to a decrease in our reliance on fossil fuels and promoting energy independence.
• Potential disruptions in ecosystems leading to unforeseen consequences for biodiversity.
• Renewed debates on designer babies, opening up questions on the morality of engineering "perfect" humans and how this could worsen socioeconomic inequalities.

Questions to consider

• What additional applications can you think of for designer cells in different industries? 
• Do you think there are applications of designer cells in the pursuit of immortality?