Scientists at Tianjin University awarded for synthetic yeast chromosomes

The list of China's Top Ten Scientific Advances in 2017 was announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in Beijing on Feb 27. Tianjin University was recognized for work on the synthesis of redesigned yeast chromosomes led by Professor Yuan Yingjin from the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology.

The Meeting of Experts on the 2017 Top Ten Scientific Advances in China was held in Beijing. [Photo provided to exploringtianjin.com]

Genome design and synthesis, which refers to the rebuilding of genomes, can shape life as needed, transform non-living material to living material and promote life-based science research. It can also provide new ideas for deepening understanding of fundamental scientific issues such as the evolution of life and the relationship between genomics and cellular function.

However, the research has long faced great challenges, including the difficulty in precise synthesis of long chromosomes and the loss of cellular activity caused by genome assembly.

Led by Yuan Yingjin,TJU's Synthetic Biology Team invented a rapid mapping method for genomic defect targets and precise repair techniques for co-transformation of multiple target fragments and constructed an artificial ring of chromosomes, steps which overcame significant obstacles in the field.

"As an important model organism of eukaryotes, chemical synthesis of yeast can help humans to understand more basic biology problems,"said Professor Yuan Yingjin,"Our team has established precise control of genomic rearrangements and obtained several highly productive strains that can be applied in medicine, energy, environmental issues, agriculture, industry, and other fields."

"It's a giant leap for humans in the scope of reengineering life and a milestone of the first total synthesis of eukaryotic genome,"said Liu Lei, a professor at Tsinghua University at the Meeting.

Since its first congregation in 2005, the Meeting of Experts on each year's Top Ten Scientific Advances in China has been a brand for science and technology and is regarded highly by scholars.

This year's award was the first to a Tianjin institution.

Professor Yuan Yingjin (L) receives the certificate. [Photo provided to exploringtianjin.com]