Synthetic biology and genome engineering in support of human, agricultural, and environmental security

Abstract

The rapid pace of innovation in synthetic biology and genome engineering elicits a need to reevaluate systems of oversight to ensure that biosafety and biosecurity safeguards are keeping up. Accordingly, the regulation of nucleic acid synthesis, an enabling technology for synthetic biology and genome engineering, is a current focus of political debate in the United States. However, to develop appropriate governance that neither under- nor overregulates technological development, policy leaders must also appreciate how advances in synthetic biology and genome engineering are being employed in the interests of biosecurity to support human health, manufacturing, food security, ecosystems and the natural environment. Synthetic biology can support the development of new therapeutics and health technologies, alternative biomanufacturing methodologies, food and agricultural innovations, environmental biosensors for monitoring infectious and toxic agents, and interventions aimed at preserving and restoring our natural environment. This Perspective provides an overview of current and potential benefits of synthetic biology and genome engineering, aiming to balance the broader societal discussion of potential risks—particularly in this special issue of the journal—with potential social, economic, and environmental value to individuals and society at large.