Synthetic Genomics

The current advances in sequencing, data mining, DNA synthesis, cloning, in silico modeling, and genome editing have opened a new field of research known as Synthetic Genomics. The main goal of this emerging area is to engineer entire synthetic genomes from scratch using pre-designed building blocks obtained by chemical synthesis and rational design. This has opened the possibility to further improve our understanding of genome fundamentals by considering the effect of the whole biological system on biological function. Moreover, the construction of non-natural biological systems has allowed us to explore novel biological functions so far not discovered in nature. This book summarizes the current state of Synthetic Genomics, providing relevant examples in this emerging field.

What Is Synthetic Genomics To manufacture new DNA or complete lifeforms, synthetic genomics, a relatively young subfield of synthetic biology, employs techniques such as genetic alteration on already-existent life forms or artificial gene synthesis. These techniques may be used to create new DNA. How You Will Benefit (I) Insights, and validations about the following topics: Chapter 1: Synthetic genomics Chapter 2: Base pair Chapter 3: Bacterial artificial chromosome Chapter 4: Molecular genetics Chapter 5: Yeast artificial chromosome Chapter 6: DNA synthesis Chapter 7: Site-directed mutagenesis Chapter 8: Xenobiology Chapter 9: Index of molecular biology articles Chapter 10: DNA construct Chapter 11: Genomic library Chapter 12: Fosmid Chapter 13: Artificial gene synthesis Chapter 14: Functional cloning Chapter 15: Mycoplasma laboratorium Chapter 16: Nucleic acid analogue Chapter 17: Molecular cloning Chapter 18: Minimal genome Chapter 19: Clyde A. Hutchison III Chapter 20: Synthetic genomes Chapter 21: No-SCAR (Scarless Cas9 Assisted Recombineering) Genome Editing (II) Answering the public top questions about synthetic genomics. (III) Real world examples for the usage of synthetic genomics in many fields. (IV) 17 appendices to explain, briefly, 266 emerging technologies in each industry to have 360-degree full understanding of synthetic genomics' technologies. Who This Book Is For Professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those who want to go beyond basic knowledge or information for any kind of synthetic genomics.

For nearly forty years, using recombinant DNA tools, researchers, and then businesses, have genetically engineered organisms by transferring naturally occurring genes from one organism into another. Doing so modifies the genetic code of living cells, imparting new traits and achieving desired results; this is done in the production of proteins, pharmaceuticals, and seeds. Synthetic biology, argues Solomon, could free scientists from the need to find natural genes to make such desired modifications. Synthetic biology permits more complex and sophisticated bioengineering than what can be achieved through previous genetic modification techniques. Drawing on non-biological scientific and engineering disciplines, including information technology and nanotechnology, synthetic biology strives to rearrange an organism's genes on a far wider scale by rewriting its genetic code, the chemical instructions need to design, assemble, and operate a species. By allowing the writing of artificial genetic codes, synthetic biology can transform existing industries and spawn new ones, creating new products as well as radically reshaping existing items. Arguing for self-regulation by the scientific and business communities, Lewis D. Solomon recommends a policy framework that would guard against governmental overregulation, which could create a barrier to innovation. Although synthetic biotechnology holds considerable social and economic potential, absent a nurturing regulatory climate, it may prove difficult to translate research discoveries into commercially viable applications.

A Harvard biologist and master inventor explores how new biotechnologies will enable us to bring species back from the dead, unlock vast supplies of renewable energy, and extend human life. In Regenesis, George Church and science writer Ed Regis explore the possibilities of the emerging field of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology, in which living organisms are selectively altered by modifying substantial portions of their genomes, allows for the creation of entirely new species of organisms. These technologies-far from the out-of-control nightmare depicted in science fiction-have the power to improve human and animal health, increase our intelligence, enhance our memory, and even extend our life span. A breathtaking look at the potential of this world-changing technology, Regenesis is nothing less than a guide to the future of life.

Scientific advances over the past several decades have accelerated the ability to engineer existing organisms and to potentially create novel ones not found in nature. Synthetic biology, which collectively refers to concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms, is being pursued overwhelmingly for beneficial purposes ranging from reducing the burden of disease to improving agricultural yields to remediating pollution. Although the contributions synthetic biology can make in these and other areas hold great promise, it is also possible to imagine malicious uses that could threaten U.S. citizens and military personnel. Making informed decisions about how to address such concerns requires a realistic assessment of the capabilities that could be misused. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology explores and envisions potential misuses of synthetic biology. This report develops a framework to guide an assessment of the security concerns related to advances in synthetic biology, assesses the levels of concern warranted for such advances, and identifies options that could help mitigate those concerns.

Now in its fifth edition and for the first time available as an electronic product with all entries cross-linked. This very successful long-seller has once again been thoroughly updated and greatly expanded. It now contains over 13,000 entries, and comprehensively covering genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Each entry contains an extensive explanation, including a comprehensive listing of synonyms and acronyms, and all formulas have been redrawn to create a uniform style, while most of the figures are custom designed for this dictionary. The ultimate reference for all terms in the -omics fields.

This book focuses on biological engineering techniques, multi-omics big-data integration, and data-mining techniques, as well as cutting-edge researches in principles and applications of several synthetic biology applications. Synthetic biology is a new research area, while it has been rooted from the long-established area including biological engineering, metabolite engineering, and systems biology. This book will discuss the following aspects: (1) introduction to synthetic biology and iGEM, especially focusing on the systematic design, rational engineering, and sustainability of design in the omics ages; (2) synthetic biology–related multi-omics data integration and data mining techniques; (3) the technical issues, development issues, and safety issues of synthetic biology; (4) data resources, web services, and visualizations for synthetic biology; and (5) advancement in concrete research on synthetic biology, with several case studies shown. Devised as a book on synthetic biology research and education in the omics age, this book has put focuses on systematic design, rational engineering, and sustainability of design for synthetic biology, which will explain in detail and with supportive examples the “What,” “Why,” and “How” of the topic. It is an attempt to bridge the gap between synthetic biology’s research and education side, for best practice of synthetic biology and in-depth insights for the related questions.