Researchers are working on a groundbreaking project to create human genetic material from scratch, aiming to better understand DNA and develop new medical therapies. Over the next five years, they will develop tools and techniques to build long sections of human genetic code in labs, which will be inserted into living cells to study their operation.
The project, called Synthetic Human Genome (SynHG), has sparked concerns over its potential applications, including creating resistant living cells for transplant patients with autoimmune diseases or liver damage from viral infections. Scientists hope the insights gained will lead to radical new therapies for almost any disease.
To achieve this, researchers will start by synthesizing sections of a human chromosome and testing them in human skin cells. The project involves teams from top universities across the UK.
While reading DNA has become more accessible, writing it has proved challenging. The SynHG project aims to fully understand the human genome, including its “dark matter” – regions that are not well understood. This could lead to breakthroughs in synthetic versions of mitochondria, which power biological cells.
However, experts also warn about potential risks, such as the creation of bacteria that can digest petrochemicals, posing environmental concerns. The specter of designer babies is another concern, with parents potentially using the technology to shape their children before birth.
Despite these concerns, many experts believe the benefits outweigh the risks and that the project has the potential to revolutionize medicine.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jun/26/synhg-uk-synthetic-human-genome-project-dna-genetic-code