scholarly journals An exploration of synthetic biology: A preliminary Christian ethical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic biology

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Riaan A.L. Rheeder
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Ethical Assessment ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Natural Function ◽  
Mycoplasma Capricolum ◽  
Mycoplasma Mycoides ◽  
Point Of Departure

On 20 May 2010, the Venter Institute in America announced that they have fully synthesised the genome of the organism Mycoplasma mycoides whilst in vitro by using a computer connected to a machine that synthesises genes. Thereafter, the genome was placed back into the casing of another organism (Mycoplasma capricolum) and it was reported that the synthesised organism and the genome functioned normally. This synthesised organism was reconstructed to function as a minute little factory with the aim of producing and secreting fuel and medicine − something that is not the natural function of this organism. There are certain potential dangers inherent in this kind of technology. Scientists fear that this technology may contaminate or infect humans, animals or the environment, and that it can as such be extremely harmful, or even lead to the destruction of humans. Other scientists are concerned that terrorists can use this technology to kill innocent citizens. Some ethicists are of the opinion that the consequences of synthetic biology is currently unpredictable and that it is therefore risky. In opposition to the potential dangers, one has to mention that synthetic biology indeed can result in far-reaching positive outcomes such as the manufacturing of biofuel and medication. Most scientists and ethicists are of the opinion that the potential dangers involved in synthetic biology should be evaluated in light of the fact that genetic manipulation has not caused any biological devastation over the last 30 years. From a Christian point of departure, the opinion is currently that synthetic biology is not an irresponsible science and technology.’n Verkenning van sintetiese biologie: ’n Voorlopige Christelik-etiese beoordeling van die voor- en nadele van sintetiese biologie. Op 20 Mei 2010 het die Venter-instituut (in Amerika) aangekondig dat hulle die genoom van die organisme Mycoplasma mycoides ten volle in vitro gesintetiseer het (deur middel van ’n rekenaar, gekoppel aan ’n masjien wat gene sintetiseer). Die berig het verder gelei dat die genoom daarna teruggeplaas is in die omhulsel van ’n ander organisme (Mycoplasma capricolum) − en dat die gesintetiseerde genoom en organisme normaal gefunksioneer het. Hierdie gesintetiseerde organisme word gerekonstrueer om as minuskule fabriek te funksioneer met die doel om brandstof en medisyne te produseer en te sekreer − wat nie die natuurlike funksie van die organisme is nie. Aan hierdie tegnologie is daar ook bepaalde potensiële gevare verbonde. Wetenskaplikes is bang dat hierdie tegnologie mens, dier en omgewing kan kontamineer of infekteer en op dié wyse groot skade kan aanrig − en selfs tot mense se dood kan lei. Ander wetenskaplikes is weer bekommerd dat hierdie tegnologie deur terroriste gebruik kan word om onskuldige burgers dood te maak. Sommige etici is oortuig dat die gevolge van sintetiese biologie tans onvoorspelbaar, en daarom riskant is. Teenoor die potensiële gevare moet gestel word dat sintetiese biologie inderdaad omvangryke positiewe uitkomste soos die vervaardiging van biobrandstof en medisyne tot gevolg kan hê. Meeste wetenskaplikes en etici is van mening dat die potensiële gevare verbonde aan sintetiese biologie beoordeel moet word in die lig van die feit dat genetiese manipulasie in die afgelope 30 jaar geen biologiese ramp veroorsaak het nie. Uit ’n Christelike oogpunt word voorlopig geoordeel dat sintetiese biologie nie ’n onverantwoordelike wetenskap en tegnologie is nie.

scholarly journals Removal of a subset of non-essential genes fully attenuates a highly virulentMycoplasmastrain

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joerg Jores ◽  
Li Ma ◽  
Paul Ssajjakambwe ◽  
Elise Schieck ◽  
Anne Liljander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Mutant Strain ◽  
Parental Strain ◽  
Essential Genes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Virulence Traits ◽  
Mycoplasma Mycoides ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACTMycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms and cause a number of economically important diseases affecting humans, animals, insects and plants. Here, we demonstrate that highly virulentMycoplasma mycoidessubspeciescapri(Mmc) can be fully attenuatedviatargeted deletion of non-essential genes encoding, among others, potential virulence traits. Five genomic regions, representing approximately ten percent of the originalMmcgenome, were successively deleted usingSaccharomyces cerevisiaeas an engineering platform. Specifically, a total of 68 genes out of the 432 genes verified to be individually nonessential in the JCVI-Syn3.0 minimal cell, were excised from the genome.In vitrocharacterization showed that this mutant was similar to its parental strain in terms of its doubling time, even though ten percent of the genome content were removed. A novelin vivochallenge model in goats revealed that the wild-type parental strain caused marked necrotizing inflammation at the site of inoculation, septicemia and all animals reaching endpoint criteria within seven days after experimental infection. This is in contrast to the mutant strain, which caused no clinical signs nor pathomorphological lesions. These results highlight, for the first time, the rational design, construction and complete attenuation of aMycoplasmastrain via synthetic genomics tools. Trait addition using the yeast-based genome engineering platform and subsequentin vitroorin vivotrials employing theMycoplasmachassis will allow us to dissect the role of individual candidateMycoplasmavirulence factors and lead the way for the development of an attenuated designer vaccine.IMPORTANCEMembers of theMycoplasma mycoidescluster cause important animal plaques in Africa and Asia, which impact animal welfare, provision of food and the life of thousands of small-scale farmers. We applied synthetic biology tools toMycoplasma mycoidesin order to design and create a fully attenuatedMycoplasmastrain that was subsequently confirmedin vivousing a novel caprine infection model. This is the first time that aMycoplasmamutant developed by applying synthetic biology tools has been testedin vivoto pin point candidate virulence traits. The mutant strain is similar to “apathogenicE. coliK12” strains that boosted the research on host-pathogen interactions for the genusEscherichiaand other bacterial genera.

PERFUSION OF OVARIES IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

1972 ◽  
Vol 68 (2_Supplb) ◽  
pp. S285-S309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Ahrén ◽  
Per Olof Janson ◽  
Gunnar Selstam
Keyword(s):  
Perfusion System ◽  
Perfusion Technique ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

ABSTRACT This paper discusses in vivo and in vitro ovarian perfusion systems described so far in the literature. The interest is not focussed primarily on the results of these studies but rather on the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques and methods used. Another part of the paper summarizes the points which are most important, in our opinion, to take into consideration when developing an in vitro perfusion technique of the ovary. The last part of the paper gives a description of and some preliminary results from an in vitro perfusion system of the rabbit ovary which is under development in this laboratory.

Improvement of effectiveness in maize breeding

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Pepó
Keyword(s):  
Recurrent Selection ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Tissue Cultures ◽  
Maize Breeding ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Selection For

Plant regeneration via tissue culture is becoming increasingly more common in monocots such as maize (Zea mays L.). Pollen (gametophytic) selection for resistance to aflatoxin in maize can greatly facilitate recurrent selection and the screening of germplasm for resistance at much less cost and in a shorter time than field testing. In vivo and in vitro techniques have been integrated in maize breeding programmes to obtain desirable agronomic attributes, enhance the genes responsible for them and speed up the breeding process. The efficiency of anther and tissue cultures in maize and wheat has reached the stage where they can be used in breeding programmes to some extent and many new cultivars produced by genetic manipulation have now reached the market.

Survival of both twins in a pregnancy complicated by pre-viable cord prolapse at 21 weeks of gestation

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Alnoman ◽  
Ghazi Alsarraj ◽  
Richard Brown
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Management ◽  
Perinatal Outcome ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Premature Rupture ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Obstetric Emergency ◽  
Cord Prolapse ◽  
Umbilical Cord Prolapse

AbstractBackgroundUmbilical cord prolapse is rare but a very serious obstetric emergency. Its incidence has declined over time and significant advances in its management have improved perinatal outcome.Case presentationA 38-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 0) conceived a dichorionic twin pregnancy through in vitro fertilization presented at 21 weeks of gestation with premature rupture of membrane of the presenting twin. At 21+4 weeks’ gestation, cord prolapse of the presenting twin into the vagina was identified by ultrasound. Parents chose conservative management, and planned cesarean section was done at 27+4 weeks.ConclusionOur case demonstrates that conservative management with measures to reduce the risks of infection and a planned delivery can result in positive outcomes even in cases where the cord prolapse occurs prior to viability.

scholarly journals Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy in uterus transplant patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 263349412110098
Author(s):  
Rhea Chattopadhyay ◽  
Elliott Richards ◽  
Valerie Libby ◽  
Rebecca Flyckt
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Immunosuppressive Agents ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
Preimplantation Genetic Testing ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Uterus Transplantation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Dilation And Curettage

Uterus transplantation is an emerging treatment for uterine factor infertility. In vitro fertilization with cryopreservation of embryos prior is required before a patient can be listed for transplant. Whether or not to perform universal preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy should be addressed by centers considering a uterus transplant program. The advantages and disadvantages of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy in this unique population are presented. The available literature is reviewed to determine the utility of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy in uterus transplantation protocols. Theoretical benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy include decreased time to pregnancy in a population that benefits from minimization of exposure to immunosuppressive agents and decreased chance of spontaneous abortion requiring a dilation and curettage. Drawbacks include increased cost per in vitro fertilization cycle, increased number of required in vitro fertilization cycles to achieve a suitable number of embryos prior to listing for transplant, and a questionable benefit to live birth rate in younger patients. Thoughtful consideration of whether or not to use preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy is necessary in uterus transplant trials. Age is likely a primary factor that can be useful in determining which uterus transplant recipients benefit from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

scholarly journals Rapid target validation in a Cas9-inducible hiPSC derived kidney model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasaman Shamshirgaran ◽  
Anna Jonebring ◽  
Anna Svensson ◽  
Isabelle Leefa ◽  
Mohammad Bohlooly-Y ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Target Validation ◽  
Direct Differentiation ◽  
Kidney Organoids

AbstractRecent advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), genome editing technologies and 3D organoid model systems highlight opportunities to develop new in vitro human disease models to serve drug discovery programs. An ideal disease model would accurately recapitulate the relevant disease phenotype and provide a scalable platform for drug and genetic screening studies. Kidney organoids offer a high cellular complexity that may provide greater insights than conventional single-cell type cell culture models. However, genetic manipulation of the kidney organoids requires prior generation of genetically modified clonal lines, which is a time and labor consuming procedure. Here, we present a methodology for direct differentiation of the CRISPR-targeted cell pools, using a doxycycline-inducible Cas9 expressing hiPSC line for high efficiency editing to eliminate the laborious clonal line generation steps. We demonstrate the versatile use of genetically engineered kidney organoids by targeting the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) genes: PKD1 and PKD2. Direct differentiation of the respective knockout pool populations into kidney organoids resulted in the formation of cyst-like structures in the tubular compartment. Our findings demonstrated that we can achieve > 80% editing efficiency in the iPSC pool population which resulted in a reliable 3D organoid model of ADPKD. The described methodology may provide a platform for rapid target validation in the context of disease modeling.

scholarly journals Biosynthesis of Nature-Inspired Unnatural Cannabinoids

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2914
Author(s):  
Kevin J. H. Lim ◽  
Yan Ping Lim ◽  
Yossa D. Hartono ◽  
Maybelle K. Go ◽  
Hao Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Orphan Receptors ◽  
Complex Chemical ◽  
Biological Targets ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Commercial Use ◽  
Wide Range

Natural products make up a large proportion of medicine available today. Cannabinoids from the plant Cannabis sativa is one unique class of meroterpenoids that have shown a wide range of bioactivities and recently seen significant developments in their status as therapeutic agents for various indications. Their complex chemical structures make it difficult to chemically synthesize them in efficient yields. Synthetic biology has presented a solution to this through metabolic engineering in heterologous hosts. Through genetic manipulation, rare phytocannabinoids that are produced in low yields in the plant can now be synthesized in larger quantities for therapeutic and commercial use. Additionally, an exciting avenue of exploring new chemical spaces is made available as novel derivatized compounds can be produced and investigated for their bioactivities. In this review, we summarized the biosynthetic pathways of phytocannabinoids and synthetic biology efforts in producing them in heterologous hosts. Detailed mechanistic insights are discussed in each part of the pathway in order to explore strategies for creating novel cannabinoids. Lastly, we discussed studies conducted on biological targets such as CB1, CB2 and orphan receptors along with their affinities to these cannabinoid ligands with a view to inform upstream diversification efforts.

scholarly journals Role of SHH in Patterning Human Pluripotent Cells towards Ventral Forebrain Fates

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 914
Author(s):  
Melanie V. Brady ◽  
Flora M. Vaccarino
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Technical Ability ◽  
Cellular Phenotypes

The complexities of human neurodevelopment have historically been challenging to decipher but continue to be of great interest in the contexts of healthy neurobiology and disease. The classic animal models and monolayer in vitro systems have limited the types of questions scientists can strive to answer in addition to the technical ability to answer them. However, the tridimensional human stem cell-derived organoid system provides the unique opportunity to model human development and mimic the diverse cellular composition of human organs. This strategy is adaptable and malleable, and these neural organoids possess the morphogenic sensitivity to be patterned in various ways to generate the different regions of the human brain. Furthermore, recapitulating human development provides a platform for disease modeling. One master regulator of human neurodevelopment in many regions of the human brain is sonic hedgehog (SHH), whose expression gradient and pathway activation are responsible for conferring ventral identity and shaping cellular phenotypes throughout the neural axis. This review first discusses the benefits, challenges, and limitations of using organoids for studying human neurodevelopment and disease, comparing advantages and disadvantages with other in vivo and in vitro model systems. Next, we explore the range of control that SHH exhibits on human neurodevelopment, and the application of SHH to various stem cell methodologies, including organoids, to expand our understanding of human development and disease. We outline how this strategy will eventually bring us much closer to uncovering the intricacies of human neurodevelopment and biology.

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