Gene synthesis is a kind of technique that has been used to synthesize double-stranded DNA molecules in vitro by artificial way, which is different from single-stranded oligonucleotides synthesis in term of synthesis length. More exactly, Oligonucleotides are single stranded, the longest synthesis fragment is just up to 100nt. However, as the products of gene synthesis, double-stranded DNA molecules, can reach 50bp-12 kb in length. Besides, compared with the approach of gaining genes from existing organisms, gene synthesis do not need templates, so it is not restricted by gene donors.
The first synthetic gene appeared in the 1960s. As a main subject in current synthetic biology, gene synthesis sets a new direction for human beings to change organisms in gene level. It is predictable that in the near future gene synthesis will play a significant role in life science. Moreover, its advantages in new energy, new materials, artificial organisms, DNA vaccines, and biomedicine, have initially been noted by scientists. On the contrary, gene synthesis technique is a potential threat to be applied in producing biological weapons, and this possibility has become more prominent after the artificial synthesis of several viruses.
There are two ways available for gene synthesis. One is to customize products from gene synthesis companies. The other is autonomic way. Because there is no unified approach for gene synthesis, and it’s important to be skillful and experienced for technicians in the process of gene synthesis, most of these steps are performed by professionals. It also indicates the first way should be the main channel to get designed gene products. Gene synthesizing independently generally needs academic journals as reference. There are many articles in this field, but except those protocols for demonstrating this technology itself, most of them are designed to synthesize particular genes. Gene synthesis service may be a good choice for researchers.
Advantages of gene synthesis
- Short period of synthesis cycle and 100% correct sequence.
- Gene synthesis hasgreater flexibility in modifying restriction sites and gene sequences to facilitate the subsequent cloning experiments.
- Genes, even difficult to obtain ornonexistent in nature, can be gained by gene synthesis based on researchers’ design willingness.
- Synthesized genecan be further optimized in codons, so that they can express well in various biological
Applications of gene synthesis
- Clone of antibodies from human or mouse origin, and recombinant antibodies.
- Synthesis of different mutant genes, SNPS, or other mutants.
- Design andsynthesis of DNA vaccine
- Synthesisof microchips cDNA in large quantity.
With those outstanding advantages and wide application range, gene synthesis will be one of the most promising technologies in life science, as well as other research fields.