Geneticists have completed the creation of the first synthetic organism with a nucleus, which is yeast. Researchers have finally corrected errors in their genome that prevented yeast cells from dividing and growing normally. Research published in the journal Nature Communications.
Previously, such success had only been achieved with bacteria that lack a nucleus and contain only one chromosome. The genetic tools that scientists used to create synthetic yeast will help with the development of more climate-resistant crops and will find applications in the treatment of hereditary diseases.
How was a synthetic organism created?
Although synthetic chromosomes of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were created in 2006, efforts have so far focused on correcting errors in some of these chromosomes. Researchers used CRISPR-based tools to correct errors in the last, sixteenth, chromosome of yeast.
The scientists increased the synthesis of transfer RNAs, which are involved in protein production and whose number had decreased due to previous chromosome corrections. In addition, they determined that for the normal functioning of artificial yeast cells, it is necessary to correctly arrange the start and end markers of genes.
By modifying the yeast genome in this way, they obtained cells that were able to break down the alcohol glycerol at a temperature of 37 degrees. Previously, yeasts suffered from heat stress at this temperature, but genetic modifications will make them more hardy. While this does not mean that all yeast or other cultures will now be created from a synthetic genome, the scientists' work will allow editing of other species, creating plants and fungi that are resistant to the effects of global warming.
Why are synthetic organisms created?
In 2023, scientists managed to create semi-synthetic yeast that could successfully divide. This will allow the creation of yeast strains that will produce medicines, fuels, or other useful products.
A bacterium with an artificial and minimally shortened genome was able to adapt to changes in the environment faster than its "wild" relatives.
By adding a hydrogel to E. coli bacteria, scientists have created cyborg cells that have the advantages of both synthetic and natural cells.
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