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Curated Papers > Highly Cited Authoritative Literature on "Synthetic Biology"

Synthetic biology. ​

Literature Information ​

DOI10.1038/nrg1637
PMID15995697
JournalNature reviews. Genetics
Impact Factor52.0
JCR QuartileQ1
Publication Year2005
Times Cited240
KeywordsSynthetic Biology, Artificial Life, Diagnostic Tools
Literature TypeJournal Article, Review
ISSN1471-0056
Pages533-43
Issue6(7)
AuthorsSteven A Benner, A Michael Sismour

TL;DR ​

Synthetic biology encompasses two main approaches: one aims to create artificial life using unnatural molecules, while the other focuses on assembling interchangeable parts from natural systems to create novel functions. This field not only fosters innovative problem-solving beyond traditional analysis but also leads to practical applications, such as advanced diagnostic tools for infectious diseases and novel bio-devices.

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Synthetic Biology · Artificial Life · Diagnostic Tools

Abstract ​

Synthetic biologists come in two broad classes. One uses unnatural molecules to reproduce emergent behaviours from natural biology, with the goal of creating artificial life. The other seeks interchangeable parts from natural biology to assemble into systems that function unnaturally. Either way, a synthetic goal forces scientists to cross uncharted ground to encounter and solve problems that are not easily encountered through analysis. This drives the emergence of new paradigms in ways that analysis cannot easily do. Synthetic biology has generated diagnostic tools that improve the care of patients with infectious diseases, as well as devices that oscillate, creep and play tic-tac-toe.

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Primary Questions Addressed ​

  1. What are some specific examples of diagnostic tools developed through synthetic biology that have improved patient care?
  2. How does the use of unnatural molecules in synthetic biology compare to traditional biological methods in terms of efficiency and outcomes?
  3. What are the ethical considerations surrounding the creation of artificial life in synthetic biology?
  4. How do synthetic biologists address the challenges of assembling interchangeable parts from natural biology into functional systems?
  5. In what ways has synthetic biology influenced the development of new paradigms in scientific research and analysis?

Key Findings ​

Research Background and Purpose ​

Synthetic biology has evolved as a multidisciplinary field aimed at understanding and recreating biological systems through the assembly of synthetic components. This review explores two main approaches: one focuses on using unnatural molecules to replicate behaviors observed in natural biology, while the other seeks to extract interchangeable parts from natural biology to create novel systems. The purpose is to drive new discoveries and challenge existing paradigms in biology through synthesis rather than mere observation.

Main Methods/Materials/Experimental Design ​

The review discusses various methods in synthetic biology, particularly focusing on the assembly of DNA and proteins as interchangeable parts. The following flowchart outlines the key processes involved in synthetic biology as presented in the literature:

Mermaid diagram

Key methodologies discussed include:

  • Synthetic Genetic Systems: The development of systems that support Darwinian evolution using expanded genetic alphabets.
  • Protein Engineering: Approaches to modify amino acids in proteins to achieve desired functions.
  • Metabolic Engineering: The combination of enzymes from different organisms to create new metabolic pathways.

Key Results and Findings ​

  1. Synthetic Genetic Systems: The review highlights the creation of synthetic nucleobases that can replicate and support Darwinian evolution, evidenced by the branched DNA assay which significantly improves diagnostics for HIV and hepatitis.
  2. Protein Engineering Challenges: While nucleic acids have been successfully engineered to allow for interchangeable parts, protein engineering remains complex due to the lack of a repeating charge in protein backbones, which complicates the independence of amino acid contributions.
  3. Emergent Properties: Synthetic biology has successfully replicated emergent behaviors such as oscillation in biological systems, showcasing the potential of engineered systems to mimic natural processes.

Main Conclusions/Significance/Innovativeness ​

The review concludes that synthetic biology is not merely a continuation of genetic engineering but a transformative approach that leverages synthesis to explore new scientific frontiers. The development of synthetic genetic systems has broad implications for diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly in managing infectious diseases. Furthermore, the insights gained from synthetic biology can drive paradigm shifts in our understanding of life and its fundamental processes.

Research Limitations and Future Directions ​

  1. Complexity in Protein Engineering: The review acknowledges the limitations in protein design due to the intricate interactions between amino acids and the dynamic nature of protein folding. Future research is needed to develop better theoretical frameworks and experimental strategies for protein engineering.
  2. Understanding Emergent Properties: There is a need for deeper analytical studies to understand how synthetic systems can accurately replicate the emergent properties observed in natural biology.
  3. Ethical Considerations: The potential hazards associated with synthetic biology, such as the creation of harmful organisms, necessitate careful ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe applications.

In summary, the field of synthetic biology is poised for significant advancements as it continues to explore the intersection of chemistry, biology, and engineering, ultimately enhancing our understanding of life itself.

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Literatures Citing This Work ​

  1. The use of thymidine analogs to improve the replication of an extra DNA base pair: a synthetic biological system. - A Michael Sismour;Steven A Benner - Nucleic acids research (2005)
  2. On the evolution of the standard amino-acid alphabet. - Yi Lu;Stephen Freeland - Genome biology (2006)
  3. Gene Designer: a synthetic biology tool for constructing artificial DNA segments. - Alan Villalobos;Jon E Ness;Claes Gustafsson;Jeremy Minshull;Sridhar Govindarajan - BMC bioinformatics (2006)
  4. Protein engineering: security implications. The increasing ability to manipulate protein toxins for hostile purposes has prompted calls for regulation. - Jonathan B Tucker;Craig Hooper - EMBO reports (2006)
  5. Systems interface biology. - Francis J Doyle;Jörg Stelling - Journal of the Royal Society, Interface (2006)
  6. Leaner and meaner genomes in Escherichia coli. - David W Ussery - Genome biology (2006)
  7. Construction of an in vitro bistable circuit from synthetic transcriptional switches. - Jongmin Kim;Kristin S White;Erik Winfree - Molecular systems biology (2006)
  8. Synthetic protocell biology: from reproduction to computation. - Ricard V Solé;Andreea Munteanu;Carlos Rodriguez-Caso;Javier Macía - Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences (2007)
  9. High-yield hydrogen production from starch and water by a synthetic enzymatic pathway. - Y-H Percival Zhang;Barbara R Evans;Jonathan R Mielenz;Robert C Hopkins;Michael W W Adams - PloS one (2007)
  10. Artificial life and living systems: Insight into artificial life and its implications in life science research. - Sarvothaman Guruprasad;Kanagaraj Sekar - Bioinformation (2006)

... (230 more literatures)

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