British scientists create new GM bacterial strain

August 13, 2025 / 5:15 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: British scientists have developed a new strain of Escherichia coli with a genetically recoded genome, reducing the number of codons from 64 to just 57.

Understanding the genetic code

Researchers from the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology explained that the genetic code uses 64 codons to produce proteins, though only 21 are essential. The streamlined Syn57 strain features a more compact genome and opens possibilities for novel amino acids not found in nature.

From Syn61 to Syn57: A major leap

Following the 2019 development of Syn61, which involved 18,000 DNA changes, the latest Syn57 strain required over 100,000 modifications. Led by synthetic biologist Wesley Robertson, the team significantly advanced genome engineering.

Current limitations and future potential

Although Syn57 grows four times slower than standard E. coli, researchers believe optimization could improve its growth. The earlier Syn61 strain is already used to enhance the reliability of medicine production.

Implications for synthetic biology

Robertson highlighted Syn57's radically recoded genome as a milestone for synthetic biology. Its potential includes virus-resistant bacteria and the development of innovative medicines and materials, marking a major advancement in genetic engineering.