Scientists Finalize Synthetic Human Genome Project

It was rumored last month that the scientists are planning to create a synthetic human genome, however the project was not confirmed until now. It has been finally revealed that the "secret meeting" was called on to take a decision on the new project, dubbed Human Genome Project-Write (HGP-Write).

The project HGP-Write intends to create the entire human genome by addition of chemical nucleotides that form the basic unit of DNA, that is, genes. However, this is not the first time that synthetic genetic material is being created.

For example, back in 1970s, researchers created synthetic genetic material and incorporated it into bacteria in manufacturing life-saving products useful to mankind, such as insulin. What makes HGP-Write new is the recently-achieved ability to synthesize long genetic sequences. The process ends with the synthesis and transplantation of not a part, but the entire genome of the bacterium.

While a bacterial genome is about 1 million base pairs long, the human genome is almost 3,000 times longer. Therefore, creating an entire human genome with the help of a bacterium is a distant possibility. It could take almost 10 years to achieve that.

Even when the entire human genome is created, the emergence of human life from non-living parts would still be difficult. It is not sufficient to create just the genome, but it needs to be packaged correctly with incorporated epigenetic changes and complements of structural proteins and enzymes.

Even though it might seem a distant possibility, relatively new techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 have given scientists an opportunity to edit the genome of organisms. In fact, the whole idea of genetically altered humans or "designer babies" is based on this technique. However, there are several concerns surrounding bioterrorism and other ethical issues.

Meanwhile, the HGP-Write group of researchers has promised to offer a "public disclosure" in the planning and implementation of the project. This will help avoid the pitfalls associated with the use of techniques surrounded by ethical debates, in addition to offering an open and honest approach.