“This is the first self-replicating species that we’ve had on the planet whose parent is a computer. Because it’s very difficult to eliminate multiple genes from a cell . . . we decided early on that we had to take a synthetic route—even though nobody had been there before—to see if we could synthesize the bacterial chromosome so we could . . . understand the essential genes for life” (Craig Venter, 2010).
Jeff Boeke
Since J. Craig Venter’s historic announcement that his team had successfully integrated a synthetic genome into a bacterial parasite Mycoplasma mycoides, others have worked to develop this resource for other organisms and advance the understanding of chromosome biology. One such prominent leader is Jef D. Boeke, the Director of the Institute for Systems Genetics at the NYU Langone Medical Center. Known for his work dissecting mechanisms of DNA element movement he termed “retrotransposition,” Boeke now leads a team of international scientists to engineer a brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell—the first eukaryote—with an entirely lab-generated genome in a project known as Sc2.0, or Synthetic Yeast 2.0.
Boeke is excited to use his TAGC keynote address to give an update on the ambitious project. Why should you care about a synthetic yeast? Boeke felt the same way initially: “I remember thinking, ‘why would anyone want to do that?’” But he now notes these projects are the way of the future. “With genome scale synthesis projects becoming more and more doable, I highly recommend young geneticists keep an open mind about getting involved.”
In Sc2.0, scientists first engineer chunks of DNA containing sites that can be induced to cause countless genome deletions and arrangements. This allows for applications in studies of eukaryotic chromosome biology as well as in industrial experiments like drug screening. These small chunks of DNA are then assembled into larger “megachunks,” which are then introduced in vivo to replace the native yeast sequences. In 2011 and with much collaborative effort through programs for high-school students, graduate students, and scientists from all sectors around the world, Boeke’s team successfully integrated an entire synthesized third chromosome into living yeast cells, with 15 remaining chromosomes underway.
Importantly, a monumental undertaking like Sc2.0 is largely made possible by the cooperation that group meetings and societies like the GSA foster. Boeke noted in particular the usefulness of these group meetings in “allow[ing] these big ideas to percolate.” In fact, he recalls, “[the impetus for Sc2.0] happened at a scientific meeting. Ron W. Davis won an award and made the prediction it was only a matter of time before [such a project] would come to pass.”
Boeke is enthusiastic about TAGC. “It makes a lot of sense to hold historically-separate model organism meetings at one time. It will be a great way to get the latest on genetics across organisms from single-celled ciliates to mice.”
While he’s looking forward to his address and other talks, Boeke’s favorite part of scientific meetings is attending the poster sessions, where postdocs, primary investigators, and students from different labs get together to discuss research ideas. It is this sense of collaboration he enjoys most in taking on such a massive project as Sc2.0. “I really like collaborating with people across the world, from North America, Asia, and Europe, and . . . gathering for a meeting in different continents every time.”
Outside the lab, Boeke enjoys sailing at his home in Maine.
About the Author:
Alex Hurlburt is a research associate in the Biology Department at Indiana University Bloomington, where he studies glucose metabolism and growth in Drosophila. He is looking forward to hearing the latest genetics research across the many model organisms represented at TAGC!
Guest posts are contributed by members of our community. The views expressed in guest posts are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily endorsed by the Genetics Society of America. If you'd like to write a guest post, e-mail communications@genetics-gsa.org.
View all posts by Guest Author »Read more in
-
Thank you, GSA community!
Thank you for being a member of the Genetics Society of America! As GSA’s current president, I am writing to tell you about Society projects and initiatives that we hope you will find useful in advancing your science and your career. Scientific research is a collaborative and exciting endeavor. Scientific societies like GSA exist to…
-
Where are they now? Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recipients share updates on their research
Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award applications are open–make sure you submit your application or nomination of a colleague by September 30, 2024.
-
University of Minnesota researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species
The study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, is part of larger conservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horse.
-
Congratulations to the Spring 2024 DeLill Nasser Awardees!
GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses. The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation…
-
Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more
Carolyn Damilola is an NFS Rising Scientist from Nigeria doing respiratory system research and paving the way for scientists from underrepresented communities through mentorship.
-
What does a good microgrant proposal look like?
Members of the Microgrant Review Committee share their tips for a successful proposal.
-
The first piece of the facial recognition puzzle
New research in GENETICS gives a first peek at the molecular pathway involved in recognizing faces.
-
New Senior Editor Amy MacQueen joins GENETICS
A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Genome Integrity and Transmission section. We’re excited to welcome Amy MacQueen to the editorial team.
-
Block party on the zebrafish sex chromosome
Research in G3 identifies a gene regulatory block of the zebrafish genome responsible for overseeing the maternal-to-zygotic-transition.
-
Unraveling the mysteries of duckweed: epigenetic insights from Spirodela polyrhiza
Research published in G3 offers insight into the impact of DNA methylation on clonal propagation in asexually reproducing plants.
-
A microbiologist’s quest to understand CRISPR in bacterial self-defense
2024 Genetics Society of America Medal recipient Luciano Marraffini determined how CRISPR-Cas systems destroy genetic targets with precision, paving the way for gene editing technology development.
-
Unlocking mysteries of trait and disease heritability in dogs
2024 Edward Novitski Prize recipient Elaine Ostrander, a pioneer of the domestic dog model, discovered numerous genes affecting dog size, morphology, behavior, and disease susceptibility—many of which have relevance in humans.
-
GSA and collaborators Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue and Reclaiming STEM Institute launch NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS project to support culture change in genetics
We are thrilled to announce that the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is collaborating with the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED) based in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and the Reclaiming STEM Institute (RSI) on a Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) grant from the U.S. National Science…
-
Daman Saluja: Navigating Science and Policy in India
In the Paths to Science Policy series, we talk to individuals who have a passion for science policy and are active in advocacy through their various roles and careers. The series aims to inform and guide early career scientists interested in science policy. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Career Scientist…
-
A fly geneticist’s journey into discovering rules of organ development
2024 George W. Beadle Award recipient Deborah Andrew discovered new genes and pathways in Drosophila salivary gland organogenesis. Now, her work can help optimize cell secretion in therapeutic applications and fight malaria.
-
Małgorzata Gazda: How receiving the DeLill Nasser Award helped her land her dream job
Have you ever experienced an event that changes the course of your life, or in this case, your career? Małgorzata (Gosia) Gazda is Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and in 2022, she received the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, which she used to attend and present at the 2022 Population,…
-
Hongyu Zhao joins GENETICS as new Senior Editor
A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section. We’re excited to welcome Hongyu Zhao to the editorial team.
-
GSA Member Julio Molina Pineda Receives DeLill Nasser Award, Shines at TAGC 2024
“At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!” Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for…
-
In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation
Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…
-
Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…
-
Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024
You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…
-
Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience
A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…
-
Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky
We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…
-
TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners
GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity…
-
Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards
In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…
-
Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research
In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…
-
New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026
We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…
-
New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2025–2027
We are pleased to announce the election of six new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2025 Vice President/2026 President Cassandra Extavour Timken Professor of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology and of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Harvard University, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator “Read this,” he said, “it will change your life.” My undergraduate…
-
Congratulations, Spring 2025 Victoria Finnerty Travel Award recipients!
The Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Award supports conference-attendance costs for undergraduate GSA members who are presenting research at the Annual Drosophila Research Conference. #Dros25 will be held in San Diego, CA from March 19–23, 2025. Victoria Finnerty, who died in February 2011, was a long-time member of the Genetics Society of America and served the Drosophila community and the genetics community at large in…
-
Meet embGAN, a revolution for cell lineage studies
New research in GENETICS reports an automated pipeline for cell lineage tracing that massively reduces manual analysis time.