Synthetic Biology in simple terms is the application of engineering principles to biology. Knowledge of the Human genome sequence led to the evolution of ‘omics’ sciences (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics etc). This resulted in the analysis of almost every conceivable metabolite within the cell, permitting a global reductionist view of the living cell.
By the turn of the new millennium a small group of engineers, physicists, computer scientists and biologists came together and wondered whether engineering principles can be applied to study and manipulate living cells for productive purposes.
A convenient starting point was to create simple gene regulatory circuits to carry out specific functions like electrical circuits. Digital integrated circuits contain arrays of logic gates and digital devices are becoming smaller and smaller with performing ever-complicated functions with ever-increasing speeds. So, what is the relevance?
In Engineering the parts of a machine would consist of wires, transistors, relays, valves, diodes, electronic switches etc.
In biological machines, the parts would be genes, proteins, RNAs, promoters, inducers, repressors etc. In simple terms an activator molecule would turn on the switch to make a protein that can act as an activator or repressor (on or off) switch of another pathway.
An array of such linked pathways can be made to generate circuits that can give the desired output in terms of a new molecule or a new function. The difference between electronic circuits and biological circuits is that the former functions as an independent assembly, whereas the latter has to function within a living cell.
Thus, the former can function forever as long as the parts are certified, but the latter can be dampened by possible unexpected interactions within the cell. In addition, while the parts used in an engineered machine can be certified (CE certification), the challenge is to have certified gene components in a Registry of Standard Biological Parts (RSBP) and provide the Biobricks for assembly.
All these initiatives have been taken at the global level. Thus, efforts are underway to assemble modular parts and develop methods to construct and tune particular circuit designs. So, what is the outcome?
Synthetic Biology in microbial systems can generate microbial factories to produce drugs, vaccines, fuel components and other chemicals with diverse applications and many global companies are involved in this effort. The most often quoted success story is the production of artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial drug, in yeast at a commercial level. Microorganisms have been constructed that can act as sensors to detect a toxin in vitro or in vivo . There are fancy ideas to create organisms capable of carrying out artificial photosynthesis.
The hype The hype is to construct new organisms performing unique functions: processing signals, storing information and carry out analogue functions, steps towards making biological machines and computers. Synthetic biology of higher organisms, including mammalian systems is also gaining speed.
MNCs are getting into the act in a big way and regulatory issues are coming into the fore. The environmental and health concerns in case of accidental escape of these engineered organisms as well as deliberate bioterrorism concerns have been raised.
Patent and trade related issues, bio-hackers on the job, philosophical and ethical concerns regarding creation of artificial life have all been recognized. An International Risk Governance Council (IRGC) with all stake holders is in place. So, what should India do?
We need to build interdisciplinary research teams and also create a new institute to foster the area. iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machines) is an international synthetic biology competition that was started for undergraduate university students, but now expanded to high school students and entrepreneurs. iGEM evolved out of student projects at MIT, USA and the first competition was held in 2004 at MIT with 5 teams and this number has increased to 254 for 2014 with teams from all over the globe.
There are 84 teams from Asia with China accounting for as many as 50. I found only one team from India: IIT, Delhi! We need academia-industry collaboration to embark on innovation and move beyond reverse engineering.
G. PADMANABAN
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
