Integrating reductive and synthetic approaches in biology using man-made cell-like compartments

Abstract

We propose integrated synthetic genetics' as a novel methodology that integrates reductive and synthetic approaches used in life science research. Integrated synthetic genetics enables determinations of sets of genes required for the functioning of any biological subsystem. This method utilizes artificial cell-like compartments, including a randomly introduced whole gene library, strictly defined components for in vitro transcription and translation and a reporter that fluoresces 'only when a particular function of a target biological subsystem is active.' The set of genes necessary for the target biological subsystem can be identified by isolating fluorescent artificial cells and multiplex next-generation sequencing of genes included in these cells. The importance of this methodology is that screening for the set of genes involved in a subsystem and reconstructing the entire subsystem can be done simultaneously. This methodology can be applied to any biological subsystem of any species and may remarkably accelerate life science research.