Genome synthesis in plants

Abstract

Owing to advances in genome sequencing and editing, a genome can now be redesigned, synthesized and introduced into cells as desired. The field of synthetic genomics not only aims to provide deeper understanding of how the genome functions but can also be harnessed for a wide range of synthetic biology and bioengineering applications, from rapid evolution and screening for favourable strains to biotechnological and bioproduction tool development. Although genome synthesis has been carried out mainly in simple unicellular organisms, plants and animals are now also being investigated. Compared with animals, plants have unique advantages, such as fewer ethical concerns, simpler experimental operations and easier regeneration from cells to organisms. In this Review, we focus on genome synthesis in plants, discuss the current research landscape and assess possible future directions. Owing to advances in genome sequencing and editing, a genome can now be redesigned, synthesized and introduced into cells as desired. This Review discusses plant genome synthesis, highlighting bottom-up genome design, large-fragment assembly and site-directed targeting.