Choi Yun-Nam, Kim Donghyeon, Lee Seongbeom, Shin Ye Rim, Lee Jeong Wook
Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2025 Jan 7;53(1). doi: 10.1093/nar/gkae1292.
Biological resources, such as sequence information, genetic traits, materials and strains, pose risks when inadvertently released or deliberately misused. To address these concerns, we developed Quadruplet COdon DEcoding (QCODE), a versatile genetic biocontainment strategy that introduces a quadruplet codon (Q-codon) causing frameshifts, hindering proper gene expression. Strategically incorporating Q-codons in multiple genes prevents genetic trait escape, unallowed proliferation of microbial strains and unauthorized leakages of genetic materials. This multifaceted strategy, integrating Q-codons for genetic traits, materials and strains, ensures robust biocontainment across various levels. Notably, our system maintains sequence protection, safeguarding genetic sequence information against unauthorized access. The QCODE approach offers a versatile, efficient and compact solution to enhance biosecurity in diverse biological research settings.
生物资源，如序列信息、遗传性状、材料和菌株，在不经意间释放或被故意滥用时会带来风险。为了解决这些问题，我们开发了四联体密码子解码（QCODE），这是一种通用的基因生物防护策略，它引入了一个导致移码的四联体密码子（Q-密码子），从而阻碍基因的正常表达。在多个基因中战略性地整合Q-密码子可防止遗传性状逃逸、微生物菌株的非法增殖以及遗传材料的未经授权的泄漏。这种多方面的策略，将Q-密码子整合到遗传性状、材料和菌株中，确保了在各个层面上强大的生物防护。值得注意的是，我们的系统保持序列保护，保护遗传序列信息不被未经授权的访问。QCODE方法提供了一种通用、高效且紧凑的解决方案，以增强各种生物研究环境中的生物安全性。
