With the increasing occurrence of prolonged heatwaves and sudden floods caused by anthropogenic climate change, the 21st century faces mounting environmental challenges that threaten global food security and the health of our ecosystems. As scientists search for innovative solutions to face these menacing events, a surprising ally has emerged: ancient DNA preserved in Arctic permafrost.
But how can something that has been buried for so long – and almost forgotten – help us solve the problems of our society today?
Synthetic biology, combining biology, bioinformatics and genetic engineering to design and build new biological systems, holds the answer. At its core, synthetic biology allows us to purposely rewrite the genetic instructions of living organisms to perform specific functions outside the organism’s native capabilities.
One fascinating example of this approach is the use of ancient genes to enhance rhizobacteria—beneficial soil bacteria that live in synergy with plant roots. These microbes naturally help plants grow by aiding nutrient absorption and protecting against harmful pathogens. But in lands affected by drought or compromised by pollution, both crops and rhizobacteria struggle to survive.
To boost their resilience, scientists are turning to DNA recovered from microorganisms that lived in extreme environments long ago—before they were frozen in Arctic permafrost. Over hundreds of thousands of years, these ancient organisms had been forced to adapt to changing conditions of extreme cold, dryness, and low nutrient availability, similar to the stresses modern plants face due to human-driven environmental changes, and eventually evolved mechanisms ensuring their survival, as well as that of their plant hosts.
Using synthetic biology, researchers extract these ancient genes and insert them into the genetic makeup of modern rhizobacteria. This genetic “upgrade” gives the bacteria new traits, such as tolerance to drought, resistance to osmotic stress, and the ability to survive in polluted soils. In controlled lab experiments, these enhanced rhizobacteria are tested for stress and selected for further research when showing increased resistance that can better support plant growth under tough environmental conditions.
This work does not just aim to help crops survive today’s changing climate, but it also sheds light on the vast, untapped world of proteins that ancient DNA can reveal. Modern organisms represent only a fraction of the proteins that life on Earth has evolved. By resurrecting long-lost genes, we are expanding the known protein landscape, opening new avenues for applications including agriculture, medicine and sustainable production of chemicals that could replace the current fossil-based dependence.
Ultimately, the synthetic biology strategy in TOLERATE is about reimagining life using nature’s own history. By merging ancient wisdom with cutting-edge contemporary science, we can implement biological tools to protect our planet and ensure a more sustainable future.
Michele Partipilo
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU)