In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, researchers in Australia have successfully completed the Yeast 2.0 project, which involved the creation of a synthetic yeast chromosome that can be used to produce genetically modified yeast cells at an accelerated rate. Key to the design of Yeast 2.0 is a system called SCRaMbLE (Synthetic Chromosome Rearrangement and Modification by LoxP-mediated Evolution), which acts as an “evolution button” triggering rapid DNA reshuffling in yeast when activated by a specific chemical. This results in millions of genetically tweaked yeast cells being produced, allowing for the creation of variants that would not naturally occur for millions of years.
While many of the mutated yeast cells resulting from SCRaMbLE are not viable, some possess valuable traits such as enhanced heat tolerance or increased production of ethanol or medicine. Yeast is commonly used in bio-manufacturing processes such as vaccine production. The modular design of Yeast 2.0 enables researchers to swap genes from other organisms and study specific DNA strands responsible for traits like heat tolerance in crops or resistance to fungal pathogens. This breakthrough technology has the potential to advance research into plant life and bio-manufacturing processes, including the development of future vaccines.
The roots of the Yeast 2.0 project can be traced back to a fortuitous meeting between Professor Ian Paulsen and Professor Sakkie Pretorius at Macquarie University in 2013. Recognizing the growing field of synthetic biology overseas and the limited presence in Australia, the two scientists embarked on a mission to make a significant impact in the field. With funding from NSW’s inaugural chief scientist, Mary O’Kane, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the project gained momentum, leading to the hiring of researcher Dr. Hugh Goold and the official commencement of the Yeast 2.0 project.
The complex process of building the synthetic yeast chromosome involved designing the DNA strands digitally and chemically crafting custom DNA sections. These synthetic DNA fragments were then integrated into normal lab yeast cells by Goold, who gradually replaced the yeast genome with artificial DNA. Debugging was necessary to address issues caused by the introduction of synthetic sections, such as mitochondrial interference and protein misalignment. The arduous process took ten years to complete, with Goold leading the charge and navigating the challenges of the project alongside his colleagues.
The impact of the Yeast 2.0 project extends beyond the realm of synthetic biology, leading to the establishment of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and the creation of nine start-up companies that raised $200 million in venture capital. Australia’s capabilities in synthetic biology have significantly expanded, paving the way for future innovations and advancements in various scientific fields. While microorganisms and agriculture are the primary focus of the researchers involved, the technology and knowledge gained from the Yeast 2.0 project could potentially lead to the redesign of plants and animals in the future. Despite ethical considerations and challenges, the completion of the yeast chromosome serves as a proof of principle for the feasibility of redesigning organisms using synthetic biology techniques.
