Technology applied in gene assembly and synthesis has quickly progressed. Our capability to synthesize genes has also dramatically increased since the 1960s. As we speak, we can now synthesize up to 1,000,000 bp.
What Gene Synthesis Is
According to experts, gene synthesis refers to the manufacturing or artificial construction of DNA sequences. The process encompasses creating a new DNA sequence in the lab using biological or chemical techniques. It may also involve modifying all existing gene sequences.
The main aim of this technological advancement is to build and design DNA sequences with a specific property or function, which can then be introduced into an organism to achieve the desired biological effects.
Why Modern Gene Synthesis?
In vitro, the synthesis of genes has more benefits than traditional techniques for synthesizing genes. Here are some of the benefits you can get from the modern technique:
- Affordability – The ubiquitous nature of gene synthesis makes processes such as purification and peptide synthesis more affordable. However, many companies have ‘no gene,’’ no charge’ policies, protecting commercial biotech shareholders and researchers against potential losses.
- Quick turnaround time – A classic technique of synthesizing genes has a very slow turnaround time, taking companies many months to deliver the genes required for industrial and research purposes. Because of that, research projects may stall, and others might shut down because of the timeliness it takes companies to generate DNA products and genes. However, modern gene synthesis has a quick turnaround time.
- High levels of accuracy – Many custom DNA and gene synthesis experts guarantee 100% sequence accuracy. Companies specialising in custom DNA synthesis use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques to ensure accuracy. PCR is simply the standard technique for generating many exact copies of gene molecules or target DNA into many molecules. A high level of accuracy in replicating genes is important to consistently facilitate product delivery or research results in applications such as protein expression and antibody production.
Applications
Gene synthesis has extensive implications in different areas, from genetic circuits to metabolic engineering. Here are common applications you will see in different fields, such as the following:
1. cDNA Cloning
Synthesis of cDNA is labour-intensive and cost-intensive. It begins with obtaining the required materials, which must be kept under the right conditions.
mRNA extraction under RNase-free conditions, PCR, subcloning, and reverse transcription must be carried out. Following DNA sequencing of subcloned cDNA, the whole analysis may show that the 3’ or 5’ end of cDNA is missing or that mutations have occurred.
In such situations, we can opt for alternative methods, such as SDM (site-directed mutagenesis) or RACE-PCR. These methods help obtain a full-length cDNA.
2. Protein Production
Gene synthesis plays a crucial role as an architect in this field by constructing designs for efficient expression of proteins. These created genetic codes give insights into complicated systems in the cells, improving functional genomics. They help researchers solve mysteries of regulatory systems and gene functions.
3. Development Vaccines
Technological advancement is also important in the development of vaccines. The intersection of immunology and genetic engineering opens up a new avenue for creating groundbreaking vaccinations that take advantage of the capability of the technique to develop antigenic proteins.
The bottom line is that gene synthesis methods are ever-changing to meet the rising demands for cost-effectiveness, scalability, and quality of genes. Because of that, the techniques play a vital role in various applications, such as vaccine development, protein production, and cDNA cloning.