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2w ago

Synthetic Human Genome Project Begins Building Artificial Human Chromosome

Backed by a £10 million Wellcome Trust grant, the project will build human DNA strands in vitro through a parallel programme that addresses ethical and societal concerns.

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Overview

  • The Synthetic Human Genome project is underway with a £10 million Wellcome Trust grant to build human DNA entirely in test tubes and petri dishes.
  • Teams from leading UK institutions are assembling successive DNA segments with the goal of constructing a full synthetic chromosome covering roughly 2 percent of human DNA.
  • By synthesising DNA molecule by molecule, researchers hope to uncover mechanisms of gene regulation and develop therapies for conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
  • A dedicated social science programme led by Prof Joy Zhang will study societal views and ethical risks associated with laboratory-made genomes before any in vivo applications.
  • Experts have raised concerns that AI-guided synthesis could introduce unforeseen mutations and that the technology might be exploited for enhanced humans or biological weapons.