​Synthetic Genomics: The Next Step in Genetic Research?

Written by: Ariela Lazan

In 2003, the National Research Human Genome Institute completed the Human Genome Project (HGP) [1] , a huge collaborative research project aimed at sequencing the whole human genetic code. The completion of the HGP meant that scientists could potentially pinpoint the genetic foundation of hundreds of diseases, bringing us much closer finding their cure, along with opening countless doors to furthering biology research. While sequencing a human genome has become relatively easy and straightforward in the last decade, we are still unable to actually recreate a chain of the 3 billion base pairs that make up our DNA. Or so it seemed, until now.

​genomics.jpg

A group of 25 scientists have banded together to work on what they see as the next logical stage in genomic research - “Human Genome Project-Write.” Their goal is to synthesise the entire human genome from scratch, as opposed to using pre-existing human DNA from donors, and to use it to make human cells. Their paper illustrates a number of exciting applications for these synthetic cells, such as more precise drug testing, creating gene therapies, virus resistance, and organ growth [2] . But many in the scientific community are more than a little concerned [3] .

Although the research team recently published an article about their plan, the idea and agenda were previously kept secret from both the general public and most of the scientific community. One scientist “outed” them with some very public criticism on social media [4] , and expressed the need to allow for public discourse on the issue. Perhaps as a result, the research team seems to have changed their tune, dedicating a section of their piece to the importance of ELSI (Ethical, Legal and Social Implications) research and public involvement in the project to ensure “responsible innovation.” This is a step in the right direction.

Another criticism is that although the researchers have shared some of what they plan to achieve, they have not detailed what they do not plan to do. This leaves them untethered to any commitments to steer clear of research that could grow increasingly risky and dangerous, as well as unethical. Two scientists, including the social media whistleblower, give examples of some questionable experiments and applications that are not excluded from the realm of possibility by the HGP-Write team [5] . And while some applications have numerous undeniable benefits in addition to the concerns, others, such as creating an army of virus resistant Albert Einsteins with super-human strength, may not.

An additional concern is the amount of private funding used in the project and their influence on the direction of the project. At the moment, a number of private companies have committed to investing notable financial support for HGP-Write. As is the case with any privately-funded research, this could create a significant conflict of interest. The research team risks being controlled by these companies, which may lead to the intentional withholding of progress, unbalanced investment of research resources into investor-dictated fields, or the concealment of unfavorable results.

The aversion to science that feels too much like “playing God” is nearly inherent in society, but the fuzzy line between what is and isn’t acceptable continues to shift as science moves forward. The argument that this fear should inhibit progress may not be easy to verbalize, but it’s still something that is widely understood. Society needs to be gently nudged along these scientific leaps and bounds. With many people still deeply concerned over genetically modified foods, or “Frankenfoods,” even in light of extensive research showing their safety, researchers need to keep the concerns of the public in mind as they continue to move forward.

[1] National Human Genome Research Institute, “The Human Genome Project Completion: Frequently Asked Questions,” https://www.genome.gov/11006943/ , (October 30, 2010).
[2] Jef D. Boeke, et al., “The Genome Project–Write,” Science (June 2, 2016). http://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2016/06/03/science.aaf6850 , DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf6850
[3] Nidhi Subbaraman, “25 Scientists Just Made A $1 Billion Pitch To Build A Human Genome From Scratch,” http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=9432 , (June 2, 2016).
[4] Endy, Drew. Twitter Post. May 9, 2016, 13:56. https://twitter.com/DrewEndy/status/729777013213401088 .
[5] Drew Endy, Laurie Zoloth, “Should We Synthesize a Human Genome?” Cosmos (May 12, 2016). https://cosmosmagazine.com/society/should-we-synthesise-a-human-genome