Researchers have developed a method to construct entire bacteriophage genomes synthetically and to edit individual genes, offering a new tool against bacterial infections as antibacterial resistance grows. The team modelled synthetic DNA on two natural mycobacteriophages and published the results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The collaboration included Graham Hatfull of the University of Pittsburgh, Greg Lohman of New England Biolabs and the company Ansa Biotech; Ching‑Chung Ko is the paper’s first author.
Some phage genomes are technically hard to build because they are high in guanine and cytosine bases (about 65% G and C). Traditional DNA synthesis methods struggle with such high‑GC sequences. To address this, the researchers chemically synthesised genomes identical to two natural phages, built each genome in 12 sections, and inserted the sections into cells. One phage model was about 40,000 base pairs and the other about 50,000.
Hatfull’s lab stores many physical phages and maintains a genome library. When clinicians send patient samples, researchers now search for a matching phage using experience, the genome library and petri dishes. Synthetic genomes could speed that process, lower the need to keep tens of thousands of samples on ice, and make it easier to study or engineer phages for broader clinical applications.
Difficult words
- bacteriophage — a virus that infects and kills bacteria
- synthesise — to make something by chemical or laboratory methodssynthesised
- genome — the complete set of an organism's DNAgenomes
- guanine — a chemical base in DNA
- cytosine — a chemical base in DNA
- resistance — ability of bacteria to survive antibiotic drugs
- model — to create a copy or example based on somethingmodelled
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Discussion questions
- How could faster access to synthetic phage genomes change treatment for patients with antibiotic‑resistant infections?
- What risks or challenges do you think scientists should consider when creating synthetic viral genomes?
- How might a genome library and synthetic genomes work together in clinical laboratories?
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