A project that promises to inaugurate a new phase in biotechnology began in the United Kingdom: the creation of human DNA from scratch. The initiative, funded by an initial contribution of £ 10 million by Wellcome Trust, the world’s largest medical charity organization, Build synthetic blocks of the human genomewith long range medical applications.
The work represents a breakthrough beyond what the human genome project, completed 25 years ago, has pointed out, which indicated all human genes. Now the goal is to go beyond reading and going to construction: Create human DNA sequences in a synthetic wayMolecule for molecule, within laboratories, without the intention of generating artificial life.
The artificial human DNA project represents a new horizon for medicine
According to scientists involved, the main focus is the development of Therapies against incurable diseases And the fight against aging. “We are looking for treatments that improve the lives of people over time, allowing aging with less diseases,” said Dr. Julian Sale at MRC Molecular Biology Laboratory in Cambridge in the BBC.
Among the predicted possibilities is the creation of resistant cells to diseaseable rebuild the damaged organslike the liver and heart, or even strengthen the immune system. The team initially intends to develop increasing DNA blocks, until it reaches the creation of a complete human chromosome in the laboratory.
Ethical risks and misuse concerns
- Despite the potential of medicine, the project faces criticism of experts and activists who fear Inappropriate uses of technology.
- “Science can be reused for damage or being used in biological wars,” said Dr. Pat Thomas, director of the organization beyond GM in the BBC.
- Among fears is the possibility of creating Biological weapons, Modified human beings or even Creatures with human DNA.
- Professor Bill Earshaw, from the University of Edinburgh, who developed methods for creating artificial human chromosomes, said: “The genius left the bottle. Even with restrictions, if someone with the right team decides to start synthesizing anything, there is not much to do to avoid -.”
Ethical reflection and transparency
Wellcome Trust claims to have carefully considered the risks before approving funding. According to Dr. Tom Collins, responsible for the release of investment, the decision was made in the face of the inevitability of technological advancement. “We wondered what the cost of inaction would be. This technology will develop one day; when we do it now, we seek to deal with responsible ethical problems and openly,” he said.
To do this, a parallel social program will accompany scientific development, coordinated by the sociologist Joy Zhang of the University of Kent. The proposal is to include Public opinion and experts In the debate on the social and moral impacts of the project. “We want to understand how the audience relates to this technology, how can you benefit -and what your doubts and concerns are,” said Zhang.
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The next step in genetic engineering
The project, baptized Synthetic human genome projectIt will be made entirely in controlled environments, such as essay tubes and cultivation plates. Researchers make it clear There is no plans to create synthetic living things. However, the initiative opens the way for unprecedented levels of manipulation and understanding of human life systems.
With the possibility of building DNA from scratch, scientists will be able to test new hypotheses about genetic functioning and find solutions for mutations responsible for the disease. “Today we can only change it the existing DNA. The synthetic construction allows us Try DNA in its most fundamental stateProfessor Matthew Hurles, director of the Wellcome Santer Institute, explained.
The advance raises complex, technical, ethical and legal issues about the property of synthetic genetic materialIts possible uses and limits of genetic engineering. The scientific community, in turn, claims that transparency and public debate will be essential for the benefits to overlap the risks.
