[Whole genome transplantation: bringing natural or synthetic bacterial genomes back to life]

Mesoplasma florum: a near-minimal model organism for systems and synthetic biology

Mesoplasma florum is an emerging model organism for systems and synthetic biology due to its small genome (∼800 kb) and fast growth rate. While M. florum was isolated and first described almost 40 years ago, many important aspects of its biology have long remained uncharacterized due to technological limitations, the absence of dedicated molecular tools, and since this bacterial species has not been associated with any disease. However, the publication of the first M. florum genome in 2004 paved the way for a new era of research fueled by the rise of systems and synthetic biology. Some of the most important studies included the characterization and heterologous use of M. florum regulatory elements, the development of the first replicable plasmids, comparative genomics and transposon mutagenesis, whole-genome cloning in yeast, genome transplantation, in-depth characterization of the M. florum cell, as well as the development of a high-quality genome-scale metabolic model. The acquired data, knowledge, and tools will greatly facilitate future genome engineering efforts in M. florum, which could next be exploited to rationally design and create synthetic cells to advance fundamental knowledge or for specific applications.

Cross-species microbial genome transfer: a Review

Synthetic biology combines the disciplines of biology, chemistry, information science, and engineering, and has multiple applications in biomedicine, bioenergy, environmental studies, and other fields. Synthetic genomics is an important area of synthetic biology, and mainly includes genome design, synthesis, assembly, and transfer. Genome transfer technology has played an enormous role in the development of synthetic genomics, allowing the transfer of natural or synthetic genomes into cellular environments where the genome can be easily modified. A more comprehensive understanding of genome transfer technology can help to extend its applications to other microorganisms. Here, we summarize the three host platforms for microbial genome transfer, review the recent advances that have been made in genome transfer technology, and discuss the obstacles and prospects for the development of genome transfer.

Mycoplasmas as Host Pantropic and Specific Pathogens: Clinical Implications, Gene Transfer, Virulence Factors, and Future Perspectives

Mycoplasmas as economically important and pantropic pathogens can cause similar clinical diseases in different hosts by eluding host defense and establishing their niches despite their limited metabolic capacities. Besides, enormous undiscovered virulence has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of pathogenic mycoplasmas. On the other hand, they are host-specific pathogens with some highly pathogenic members that can colonize a vast number of habitats. Reshuffling mycoplasmas genetic information and evolving rapidly is a way to avoid their host's immune system. However, currently, only a few control measures exist against some mycoplasmosis which are far from satisfaction. This review aimed to provide an updated insight into the state of mycoplasmas as pathogens by summarizing and analyzing the comprehensive progress, current challenge, and future perspectives of mycoplasmas. It covers clinical implications of mycoplasmas in humans and domestic and wild animals, virulence-related factors, the process of gene transfer and its crucial prospects, the current application and future perspectives of nanotechnology for diagnosing and curing mycoplasmosis, Mycoplasma vaccination, and protective immunity. Several questions remain unanswered and are recommended to pay close attention to. The findings would be helpful to develop new strategies for basic and applied research on mycoplasmas and facilitate the control of mycoplasmosis for humans and various species of animals.

[Synthetic chromosomes: rewriting the code of life]

The past decade has seen vast improvements in DNA synthesis and assembly methods. The creation of synthetic DNA molecules is becoming easier and more affordable, such that entire chromosomes can now be synthesized. These advances mark the beginning of synthetic genomics, a new discipline interested in the construction of complete genomes tailored for the study and application of biological systems. From viral genome synthesis to the reconstruction of the yeast 16 chromosomes, we discuss the main discoveries, the regulations and ethical considerations along with the potential of this emerging discipline for the future.