Current Synthetic and Systems Biology
Open Access

Genetic Firewalls Protecting the Integrity of Genetic Engineering

Noah Sullivan^{* *}Correspondence: Noah Sullivan, Department of Genetic Firewalls and Genome Protection, University Hospital Boston, USA, Email:

Author info »

Description

In the evolving world of genetics, where gene editing and synthetic biology have become increasingly prominent, the concept of genetic firewalls is emerging as an essential safeguard for protecting the integrity of genetic material. Genetic firewalls represent a novel approach to controlling and securing the use of genetic information, preventing unintended alterations, and mitigating risks associated with genetic engineering [1]. As the potential to modify genomes becomes more accessible, these "firewalls" are being considered as an important measure for ensuring the responsible use of genetic technologies [2]. At its core, a genetic firewall refers to a biological or technological system designed to prevent the unauthorized or unintended manipulation of genetic material [3]. Just as digital firewalls protect computer networks from malicious attacks and unauthorized access, genetic firewalls serve as mechanisms that protect genomes from unwanted alterations whether accidental or malicious. These firewalls can take several forms, including genetic barriers, regulatory sequences, or synthetic biological circuits that restrict certain genes or functions from being edited, altered, or expressed under specific conditions [4].

The underlying goal of genetic firewalls is to ensure that genetic modifications remain within the intended scope and to prevent unforeseen consequences that could arise from altering the genome. These safeguards can be particularly important when working with synthetic biology, gene drives, and gene editing technologies like CRISPR Cas9, where the potential for off target effects and unintended ecological or health-related consequences is a real concern [5]. Advancements in genetic engineering have opened up new possibilities for medicine, agriculture, and industry. Techniques like CRISPR Cas9 have made it easier than ever to edit genes with high precision, leading to research in gene therapy, disease prevention, and crop modification [6]. For instance, gene drives, which are genetic systems designed to spread a specific genetic trait throughout a population, are an exciting new frontier in genetic engineering. Gene drives could potentially be used to control pests, reduce disease transmission, or even conserve endangered species by spreading beneficial genes through populations. However, if misused, gene drives could also cause irreversible ecological damage by spreading undesirable traits across species [7]. In this context, a genetic firewall could serve as a fail safe, preventing the drive from spreading beyond a desired range or ensuring that it is activated only under specific conditions.

One approach to creating a genetic firewall involves the construction of synthetic biological circuits that include self regulating mechanisms. These circuits are designed to activate or deactivate certain functions under specific conditions, providing a level of control over gene expression [8]. For example, genetic circuits can be engineered to only activate in the presence of specific environmental cues, such as a particular chemical compound or a change in temperature. This allows researchers to control when and where genetic modifications are expressed, preventing unintended effects. In some cases, genetic firewalls may involve physical barriers that prevent genetic material from being transferred between organisms or cells [9]. This could include the use of genetically engineered "barriers" that prevent horizontal gene transfer, a process in which genetic material is transferred between organisms in a way that could lead to the unintended spread of modified genes [10].

By creating physical or molecular boundaries that limit the movement of genetic material, genetic firewalls can act as a safeguard against the spread of genetic modifications [11]. In agriculture, genetic firewalls could be employed to protect genetically modified crops from cross breeding with wild relatives or to prevent engineered traits from escaping into the environment [12]. This would help mitigate concerns about gene flow and biodiversity, addressing the public's concerns about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

References

1. Wu C, Zhang D, Kan M, Lv Z, Zhu A, Su Y, et al. The draft genome of the large yellow croaker reveals well-developed innate immunity. Nat. Commun. 2014;5:5227. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

2. Ao J, Mu Y, Xiang L.X, Fan D, Feng M, Zhang S, et al. Genome sequencing of the perciform fish Larimichthys crocea provides insights into molecular and genetic mechanisms of stress adaptation. PLoS Genet. 2015;11:1005118. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

3. Quan C.G, Wang J, Ding S.X, Su Y.Q. Genetic diversity of cultured Pseudosciaena crocea (Richardson) stock by PAGE. J. Xiamen Univ. Nat. Sci. 1999;38:584-588.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

4. Li Z.B, Fang X, Chen J, Chang J.B, Lei G.G, Zhang G.L, et al. Loss of the genetic diversity in cultivated populations of Pseudosciaena crocea by AFLP. Oceanol. Limnol. Sin. 2009;40:446-450. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

5. Wang Y, Master’s Thesis , Shanghai Ocean University , Shanghai , Germplasm Identification of Wild and Cultured Stock of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea). 2017.

   [Google Scholar]

6. Sun L.Y, Yang T.Y, Meng W, Yang B.Q, Zhang T. Analysis of the mitochondrial genome characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of eight sciaenid fishes. Mar. Sci. 2017;7:73-77. 

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

7. Baird N.A, Etter P.D, Atwood T.S, Currey M.C, Shiver A.L, Lewis Z.A, et al. Rapid SNP discovery and genetic mapping using sequenced RAD markers. PLoS ONE. 2008;3:3376.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

8. Pan Y.Z, Wang X.Q, Sun G.L, Li F.S, Gong X. Application of RAD sequencing for evaluating the genetic diversity of domesticated Panax notoginseng (Araliaceae) PLoS ONE. 2016;11:0166419.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

9. Valdisser P.A.M, Pappas G.J, de Menezes I.P, Müller B.S, Pereira W.J, Narciso M.G, et al. SNP discovery in common bean by Restriction-Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing for genetic diversity and population structure analysis. Mol. Genet. Genom. 2016;291:1277-1291.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

10. Qin M, Li C.H, Li Z.X, Chen W, Zeng Y.Q. Genetic Diversities and Differentially Selected Regions Between Shandong Indigenous Pig Breeds and Western Pig Breeds. Front. Genet. 2020;10:1351. 

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

11. Perrier C, Ferchaud A.-L, Sirois P, Thibault I, Bernatchez L. Do genetic drift and accumulation of deleterious mutations preclude adaptation? Empirical investigation using RADseq in a northern lacustrine fish. Mol. Ecol. 2017;26:6317-6335.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

12. Sherman K.D, Paris J.R, King R.A, Moore K.A, Dahlgren C.P, Knowles L.C, et al. RAD-Seq Analysis and in situ Monitoring of Nassau Grouper Reveal Fine-Scale Population Structure and Origins of Aggregating Fish. Front Mar Sci. 2020;7:157.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]