Opinion: Ethical Boundaries Needed on the Uses of Synthetic DNA

A newly expanded genetic alphabet that includes four synthetic nucleotides highlights the need for strict boundaries on their use.

Written byJohn D. Loike and Robert Pollack

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ABOVE: An Asilomar conference to self-regulate science might not be as effective these days, but agreement on the safe uses of synthetic biology is needed.
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A study published last week expands the redesign of the 4-billion-year-old genetic code from a four-nucleotide base-pair alphabet to an eight-base-pair alphabet by incorporating artificial nucleotides. The scientists, led by Steven Benner of the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and Firebird Biomolecular Sciences in Florida, have also identified a bacteriophage RNA polymerase variant that transcribes the synthetic DNA into synthetic RNA.

Previously, a scientific team led by Floyd Romesberg at The Scripps Research Institute used its own synthetic base pairs to create bacteria that replicate the artificial DNA, translate the DNA into mRNA, and create new types of amino acids.

These are technologically impressive accomplishments and the translational applications of these discoveries could be revolutionary. In their paper, Benner and colleagues discuss the ...

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Meet the Author

John D. Loike
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John Loike serves as the interim director of bioethics at New York Medical College and as a professor of biology at Touro University. He served previously as the codirector for graduate studies in the Department of Physiology Cellular Biophysics and director of Special Programs in the Center for Bioethics at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. His biomedical research focuses on how human white blood cells combat infections and cancer. Loike lectures internationally on emerging topics in bioethics, organizes international conferences, and has published more than 150 papers and abstracts in the areas of immunology, cancer, and bioethics. He earned his Ph.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.
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Robert Pollack
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