Synthetic Genomics
Over the
past 30 years our ability to sequence
DNA has greatly outstripped our capability to chemically synthesize
DNA. We are interested in developing methods to close this "synthesis
gap". Recently we have collaborated with Ham Smith, Cynthia Pfannkoch,
and Craig Venter at IBEA (Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives)
to work on improved methods for the assembly of large DNA from
chemically synthesized oligonucleotides. We have proven these methods
by assembling a synthetic bacteriophage
phiX174 genome. Further refinements should allow us to produce
synthetic cellular genomes. Clyde is now half-time at the Venter Institute working on
genome synthesis in the Synthetic Biology group led by Ham Smith.
Smith, H.O.,
Hutchison, C.A.III, Pfannkoch, C., and Venter, J.C. (2003)
Generating a synthetic genome by whole genome assembly: phiX174
bacteriophage from synthetic oligonucleotides. Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci.
USA 100, 15440-15445 (2003).
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Updated 4/30/04.