Nanjing's GenScript partners with Harvard to develop ultra-safe cells

GenScript, a Nanjing-based gene synthesis provider, announced on Tuesday collaboration with Harvard University to provide research support to the latter on an ultra-safe cell project, in a bid to benefit Chinese patients as well as others around the globe.

The project, led by George Church, a Harvard University scientist, aims to develop a cell line that is completely resistant to all natural viruses, and consequently could pave the way for many biomedical applications, from modeling cell and tissue behaviors to the production of better and safer biologics and therapeutics.

Under the collaboration, GenScript will be providing research support, including DNA synthesis services, for the project.

"Recoding every protein in the human genome is a significant and difficult undertaking, requiring, for example, 400,000 changes," said Church.

"Effective and efficient tools for genomic analysis, DNA synthesis, assembly and testing are crucial to the development of ultra-safe, virus-resistant cells. With significant experience in DNA synthesis, Harvard University's cooperation with GenScript will be beneficial to this project."

According to him, making large-scale changes to the genome could also help improve cellular survival by making cells less likely to become cancerous and to better resist damage from extreme conditions, such as radiation. Additionally, the project could result in the development of new genomics tools and technologies that are more affordable and broadly available to the scientific community.

Cedric Wu, GenScript's vice-president of research and development, said: "We are honored to collaborate with Harvard University on Dr. Church's project, and look forward to ultra-safe virus-resistant cells becoming the foundation for better, safer, cheaper and more reliable pharmaceuticals and to the potential applications they may have in fields such as agriculture, energy and chemicals."

The results will bring benefits to consumers from China as well as other places in the world, Wu added.