by The human genetic code is reinvented by British scientists in a controversial new research project.
The 10 million pound system for synthesis -DNA is financed by the Wellcome Trust and involves scientists from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College.
Since the human genome was decoded at the beginning of the century, the researchers asked whether it could be possible to use the blueprint to artificially create genes and chromosomes.
In the five -year project, the team hopes to create a completely synthetic human chromosome – which is about 2 percent of human DNA – as evidence of the concept.
Michael Dunn, director of Discovery Research at Wellcome, said: “Our DNA determines who we are and how our body works.
“By creating the necessary tools and methods for the synthesis of a human genome, we will answer questions about our health and illness that we cannot yet expect and change our understanding of life and well -being.”
Researchers say that synthetic genomes could help create new cell-based therapies or engineering plant species with new properties, e.g. B. to be able to withstand pests and heat climate zones.
Synthetic genomes have already been developed for small organisms such as the sexually transmitted bacterium -Mycoplasma genitality and E. coli. But the human genome is much more complicated.
However, experts said it was important to ensure that the technology is not misused and that regulations are issued.
“You can only really understand something if you can build it from scratch,” said Prof. Robin Lovell-Badge, group leader of the Francis Crick Institute in London.
“It is important to develop new technologies in order not only to understand problems of potential use, but also those who deal with certainty and risk.
“If these were ever used in humans, it would be important to design them carefully so that they cannot lead to tumors or produce new infectious particles.
“In fact, I would urgently ask to include an inducible genetic kill -switch to remove it from any place in the body or to find and destroy it at least for the immune system.”
The Wellcome Trust said that there was a separate project to examine the ethics and public opinion of research.
Dr. Pat Thomas, director of the Beyond GM campaign group, told the BBC: “We are happy to believe that all scientists are there to do good, but science can be implemented for damage and warfare.”
“If we manage to create synthetic parts of the body or even synthetic people, who belongs and who belongs to the data from these creations?”
