'The Genie Is Out of the Bottle' - Work on First Ever Artificial Human DNA Begins
The world's largest medical charity has given the go-ahead to begin research on what could be the next giant leap in biology. This project aims to create artificial human DNA from scratch, according to the BBC. If successful, the project could provide accelerated treatments for several diseases that are considered incurable. However, some scientists have opposed the project, claiming that the cons could have severe consequences for the world. Wellcome Trust, the charity behind the endeavor, has backed its decision by claiming that the project has more potential to do good than harm. It has provided the scientists involved with the project with over $13.7m (£10m) to start the proceedings. The project was announced on the 25th anniversary of the completion of the Human Genome Project.
Synthetic Human Genome Project
The new endeavor to formulate artificial human DNA from scratch has been named the Synthetic Human Genome Project. In this pursuit, researchers are hopeful that they can read an entire molecule of DNA and then, based on the gathered information, make one eventually. DNA is the genetic information present in all human cells of the body except red blood cells. It is made of four building blocks: an A, G, C, and T category. These blocks supposedly rearrange themselves in different formations to create the necessary genetic information. In the project, scientists want to develop methods that help them create large blocks of human DNA, eventually paving the way to synthesize a human chromosome. If successful, scientists will get closer to genes contained in DNA, which control crucial functions, like repair, maintenance, and development of cells.
Experts believe that an in-depth analysis will allow researchers to understand how these genes function in the human body. This knowledge is essential as the malfunctioning of these genes leads to multiple diseases. If researchers know how they function or dysfunction, they may also be able to formulate treatments to address the problems the affliction. "Building DNA from scratch allows us to test out how DNA really works and test out new theories because currently, we can only really do that by tweaking DNA in DNA that already exists in living systems," Professor Matthew Hurles, director of the Wellcome Sanger Insititute shared explaining why artificial DNA is vital for this objective.
Chance for better treatments and life
Scientists believe that their endeavor could lead to quicker development of safer targeted cell-based therapies, according to Leading Britain's Conversation. "Through creating the necessary tools and methods to synthesize a human genome, we will answer questions about our health and disease that we cannot even anticipate yet, in turn transforming our understanding of life and wellbeing," Michael Dunn, director of discovery research at Wellcome, explained. Dr Julian Sale from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, also a part of the project, believes that 'the sky is the limit' when it comes to the benefits of the project.
Researchers believe the information they gathered through the artificial DNA could be incorporated into therapies, helping people age better with fewer diseases. Sale claims that the methodologies can generate disease-resistant cells, which could then be used to replace afflicted cells in damaged organs and the immune system. Professor Jason Chin, founding director of the Generative Biology Institute at Ellison Institute of Technology, is looking forward to learning more about genome biology through the endeavor. He believes that the insights will further develop fields like biotechnology and medicine, leading to a better life for humans worldwide. Researchers have promised the examination would not go beyond test tubes and dishes, but other scientists are unsure.
Possible harm and warfare
Several scientists believe that once the technology is out, many will use it in warfare and other damaging pursuits. The technology's scope includes the development of advanced humans with better capabilities than their normal counterparts. If such 'humans' are used for menace, it could be dangerous for humankind at large. The technology could also be used to develop the finest biological weapons to date and other creatures with human DNA.
Professor Bill Earnshaw, a highly respected genetic scientist at Edinburgh University, claims that people who own such weapons and beings will have immense power in their hands, and there is no regulation currently, which is stopping them from misusing it. "The genie is out of the bottle," he explained. "We could have a set of restrictions now, but if an organization that has access to appropriate machinery decided to start synthesizing anything, I don't think we could stop them."