A research team developed a way to make complete bacteriophage genomes from scratch and to change or remove individual genes. The work responds to a growing need for alternatives as antibacterial resistance increases. The researchers modelled synthetic DNA on two naturally occurring phages that attack Mycobacterium and reported their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Some phage genomes are difficult to synthesise because they have a high proportion of G and C bases (about 65%). The team built each genome in 12 sections and then inserted those sections into a cell. The cell followed the instructions in the new genome and produced phages.
The lead researchers worked together with a biotech company and collaborators. Precise genome edits will help scientists test the role of individual genes and could enable engineered phages for wider clinical use. Synthetic genomes may also speed the search for matching phages and reduce the need to store many physical samples.
Difficult words
- bacteriophage — virus that infects bacterial cells
- genome — complete set of an organism's DNAgenomes
- synthesise — to make DNA or other material artificially
- resistance — ability of bacteria to survive treatment
- engineer — to design or change something for a purposeengineered
- clinical — relating to hospitals or medical treatment
- collaborator — people who work together on a projectcollaborators
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you support using engineered phages in hospitals? Why or why not?
- How could making genomes from scratch change how labs store samples?
- What concerns might people have about changing phage genes?
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