Construction of a Bacterial Cell that Contains Only the Set of Essential Genes Necessary to Impart Life
Abstract
We are working towards the goal of creating a bacterium that contains only the set of genes that are essential for life. Toward that end, we have continued to delete genes and gene clusters from the starting genome (M. mycoides JCVI-syn1.0). To date, the smallest viable genome is 779 kbp, representing a ~30% reduction. The transplanted cells were later found to grow slowly compared to wild type, after being transferred from solid media to liquid. We have made several additional single gene deletions to this genome, but we have begun to explore adding genes back into the 779 kbp genome in order to restore growth rates. We have also made progress on the design and synthesis of a minimal genome (483 kbp). Transplantation experiments using the previously reported1/8th minimized genome molecules are complete. One of the 1/8th molecules proved to be viable. A more conservative design of a minimal genome (623kbp) has been completed, and synthesis is underway.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA573892
Entities
People
- Clyde Hutchison
- Hamilton Smith
- John I Glass
- Tony Yee
Organizations
- J. Craig Venter Institute