By Adrian Villalba, Anna Smajdor, Iain Brassington and Daniela Cutas

In our paper, we outline the ethical landscape surrounding the synthesis of human DNA. Only small genomes such as those of bacteria and yeast have been synthesized so far, but the creation of full human genomes in the lab is plausible. The idea of crafting human DNA in this way raises profound questions about our relationship to genes, reproduction, privacy, and identity.

For decades, DNA has held a special place in science and society. Our DNA is tied to our personal identity, our family lineage, and our health. But synthetic DNA (synDNA) —DNA that is entirely constructed in a lab— may challenge these associations. synDNA is made by chemically assembling nucleotide sequences in a specific order to match a desired genetic code. Importantly, the sequence of nucleotides can be determined by the operator of the laboratory equipment. It requires no pre-existing template, and thus opens an almost infinite array of possibilities. SynDNA could be used to create genes – or genomes – that have never previously existed.

Conversely, synDNA techniques could enable the re-creation of genes or genomes that do exist. With synDNA, it becomes possible to replicate known DNA sequences in the laboratory without necessarily having had any physical contact with the person whose data is being used. This may truly be seen as a genetic revolution. In previous discussions on cloning, or arguments about rights to genetic privacy or ownership, a key assumption has been that to replicate a person’s genes requires access to their biological material.

SynDNA can be produced without any physical involvement with the original ‘source’ of the genes concerned. It might be produced deliberately in order to replicate some or all of a person’s genome, or by chance in facilities where researchers are experimenting with different genomes. The use of AI to model and predict which sequences are viable, or desirable, adds a further layer of complexity here. Without sequencing every genome in existence, any strand of randomly generated DNA may in theory ‘belong’ to an existing person.

These possibilities may call for a rethink about the way we understand genetic identity and privacy. Should it turn out that a person’s genome has been ‘printed’ using synDNA techniques, has that person thereby been morally wronged – and if so, in what way? Is it, or should it be, a crime to ‘reproduce’ a person’s genome in this way? If so, on what basis, given that no biological material has been misappropriated in the process?

There are also profound implications for the heavy reliance on genes as a way of establishing parenthood. If scientists can generate genomes to match any configuration they wish, then paternity (and indeed maternity) can be genetically manufactured to order. The dividing line between somatic cells and gametes disappears with this scenario. Regulatory adjustments might help to avoid the ascription of parenthood on merely genetic grounds. But even with such adjustments, the possibility of inadvertent replication, as noted above, remains.

Synthetic biology has been pushing boundaries for some years now. CRISPR and other gene-editing tools have been making waves in both the scientific community and the public sphere. SynDNA, however, takes things a step further. It opens the path of human capabilities beyond mere selection or modification to allow for creation. This technology could call into question the ways in which biology, reproduction, and identity are connected with genes at all.  One of the main points of our paper is that this technology erodes the idea of genetic essentialism — the belief that our genes define who we are.  (Or, if you’re the kind of person who already rejects genetic essentialism, synDNA represents another nail in its coffin.)

Nevertheless, there remain many important ethical questions that need to be discussed. Our paper calls for a serious reflection on the ethical, legal, and social implications of synDNA. As we edge closer to a reality where full human genomes can be constructed in the lab, we must consider what this means for society. What are the ethical implications of creating a genome entirely from scratch? How should the use of synDNA be regulated? How will it reshape our understanding of genetic identity or of privacy? We hope that our paper will help breathe new life into these discussions.

Paper: The ethics of synthetic DNA

Authors: Adrian Villalba, Anna Smajdor, Iain Brassington and Daniela Cutas

Affiliations: AV: Université Paris Cité and University of Granada ; AS: IFIKK, University of Oslo ; IB: CSEP/ Dept of Law, University of Manchester ; DC: Clinical Sciences, Lund University

Competing interests: None declared