Synthetic Biology & Health

The seminal achievements of constructing the first synthetic bacterial cell and first minimal cell are key to understanding fundamentals of biology. This work is also expanding the ability to produce various kinds of biologically-based products including new types of medicine and renewable fuels. As the team progresses on their science goals, they are equally focused on the societal implications of this work. Synthetic genomics holds great promise for the future, and our team is at the forefront of discoveries and important public dialogue.

Assembly of HSV-1

Use of cutting-edge synthetic genomics technology to revolutionize the study of herpesvirus biology.

A Synthetic Human Cytomegalovirus Vaccine Platform

Generation of an HCMV low passage clinical isolate using synthetic genomics.

01-May-2024

Tae Seok Moon, Ph.D. and Nan Zhu, Ph.D. join J. Craig Venter Institute faculty

JCVI continues to actively recruit faculty to expand core research areas, including human health and synthetic biology

21-Mar-2024
Press Release

Scientists develop method to efficiently construct single-copy human artificial chromosomes (HACs)

This new tool will allow scientists to work in mammalian systems in ways only previously available in bacteria and yeast

HACs have wide potential research applications to synthetic biologists and may eventually aid in delivering DNA in clinical applications

11-Mar-2024
Workshop Alert

12th Build-a-Cell Workshop hosted at J. Craig Venter Institute in La Jolla

The workshop will take place March 29, 2024 with registration closing March 19

30-Jan-2024
Press Release

J. Craig Venter Institute contracted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rapidly construct synthetic influenza genes

Genes will be used to help develop seasonal and pandemic vaccines, improving response time and vaccine efficacy

23-Feb-2023
Collaborator Release

BullFrog AI Partners with J. Craig Venter Institute to Develop Colorectal Cancer Therapeutic

Collaboration seeks to develop an oncolytic virus that incorporates a novel, precision-targeted approach to improve safety and efficacy

21-Jul-2022
Press Release

Synthetic genomics advances and promise

Advances in DNA synthesis will enable extraordinary new opportunities in medicine, industry, agriculture, and research

22-Dec-2020
Press Release

Hamilton O. Smith, M.D., Synthetic Biology Pioneer and Nobel Laureate, to Step Down from Daily Duties at J. Craig Venter Institute

Dr. Smith will maintain advisory role as professor emeritus

19-Dec-2020
The San Diego Union-Tribune

After saving countless lives, Nobel laureate Hamilton Smith retires as his own health falters

He has been a fixture in San Diego science for decades

13-Nov-2019
Press Release

J. Craig Venter Institute and UC San Diego Develop Phage Treatment as Potential Cure for Alcoholic Liver Disease

Team targeted specific toxin-producing strains of the bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis, which is shown to be responsible for most liver damage

21-Sep-2018
Collaborator Release

NSF announces new awards for Understanding the Rules of Life

New projects address genetic, environmental causality in biological systems and processes

02-May-2018
Blog

BioVision Alexandria 2018