In what could be one of the most significant gene technology developments in decades, a NSW Government scientist has led a team of international researchers to understand the deep secrets of biology that underpins our food systems, agriculture, and the environment.
Following nearly a decade of research, NSW DPIRD scientist, Dr. Hugh Goold, has just completed the construction of the final chromosome in the worlds first synthetic yeast genome, paving the way for major advancements such as combating diseases like cancer, developing healthier food, or improving food security by developing crops that thrive in harsh growing conditions.
A genome is the complete set of an organism's DNA, including all of its genes. It contains all the instructions for growth, development, and functioning.
DPIRD research scientist, Dr Hugh Goold FASM MRSN MRSB said using baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), researchers have been able to build a genome from a computer design to demonstrate the potential for producing foodstuffs that could survive the rigors of a changing climate or widespread disease.
"In simple terms, this project has allowed us to construct a genome – this means that we can not only understand DNA more deeply, but open the door to new ways of combating diseases like cancer, developing healthier food, or improving environmental impacts of our industries," said Dr Goold.
This is the first time a synthetic eukaryotic genome has been constructed in full and is proof-of-concept for how more complex organisms, like food crops, could be synthesized by scientists.
Dr Goold said that building the largest single piece of DNA in Australian history marks a massive technological leap in gene technology, paving the way for revolutionary advancements in medicine and agriculture.
"In our agriculture sector, the possibilities for applying these techniques are endless – we can engineer crops that thrive in harsh conditions, such as drought or acidic soils, and even refine livestock breeding by selecting the best genetic traits," said Dr Goold.
The discovery also has profound implications for environmental sustainability and will allow scientists to now explore innovative ways to improve the survival chances of endangered species, such as through the restoration of lost genetic diversity, as well as develop bioengineered organisms that bolster ecosystem resilience.
NSW DPIRD Chief Scientist Dr Natalie Moltschaniwskyj said the project not only deepens our understanding of the natural world but also strengthens our ability to protect Australia's primary industries from major threats such as foot-and-mouth disease in sheep and invasive plant pathogens.
"This scale of DNA synthesis and construction is unprecedented in Australia, and it is this kind of world-class research that makes me proud to be part of a department dedicated to advancing biotechnology and biosecurity," said Dr Moltschaniwskyj.
"This research exemplifies DPIRD's commitment to collaboration—working alongside leading Australian institutions and world-renowned partners such as The University of Edinburgh, New York University, The University of Manchester, and Johns Hopkins University to drive innovation in synthetic biology and agricultural resilience."
Dr. Goold is set to continue these studies working to understand plant life, fungal pathogens and how to improve breeding programs.
The project was supported by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University and external grants from Bioplatforms Australia and the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer.
