基因合成技术研究进展

Progress in gene synthesis technology

摘要:

基因合成是生物学中一项最基本的、最常用的技术。对DNA调控元件、基因、途径乃至整个基因组的合成是验证生物学假设和利用生物学为人类服务的有力工具。合成生物学的快速发展对基因合成能力提出了日益迫切的需求。近年来，基于微芯片基因合成技术取得了很多令人振奋的新进展，正在向着高通量、高保真、自动化的方向发展。文中综述了DNA化学合成和基因组装及相关技术的最新研究进展和发展趋势，这些新技术正在推动着合成生物学向着更高的水平发展。

Abstract:

Gene synthesis is the most fundamental and widely used technique in biological research. The synthesis of DNA encoding regulatory elements, genes, pathways and entire genomes provides powerful ways to both test biological hypotheses and harness biology for our use. The emerging field of synthetic biology is generating insatiable demands for synthetic genes. And the past couple of years witnessed exciting new developments in microchip-based gene synthesis technologies. This review discusses the current methods of chemical DNA synthesis and gene assembly, as well as the latest engineering tools, technologies and trends which could potentially lead to breakthroughs in the development of accurate, low-cost and high-throughput gene synthesis technology. These new technologies are leading the field of synthetic biology to a higher level.