The first experiments in mycoplasma genome transplantation have commenced in Russia. This was announced by Vadim Govorun, Director of the Research Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine of Rospotrebnadzor and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN), at the XII Russian OpenBio-2025 biotechnology forum in Koltsovo.
“Work has begun on the synthesis of the genomic sequence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum with its subsequent reduction to a minimal genome, as well as the creation of its genomic double,” he stated.
The scientist spoke about systemic research into the principles of mycoplasma adaptation to various influences. According to Vadim Govorun, studying the details of mycoplasma function could aid in the creation of an artificial cell. As the researchers have established, simply rewriting genetic information does not yield the desired result—it is necessary to account for complex metabolic pathways and some other features.
The scientists also discussed the challenges of using genomic technologies in the diagnosis of cancer and hereditary diseases in Russia, as well as the readiness of domestic biotech companies to develop and produce world-class antibodies.
“There are many analogies between nature and computer systems. In both, information processing takes place. Our genome is essentially an information cartridge, a program. We have learned to synthesize DNA molecules and genomes. This opens up revolutionary possibilities,” said Aleksey Shaitan, Professor of the Department of Bioengineering at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Senior researcher Elena Kuligina from the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented results from work with the recombinant virus VV-GMCSF-Lact. VV-GMCSF-Lact is the first Russian anti-cancer oncolytic virus to receive permission from the Russian Ministry of Health for clinical trials. The drug was developed through genetic engineering from a Russian strain of the vaccinia virus.
Results from the first phase of trials showed that the drug is non-toxic, safe, and induces a positive therapeutic effect. “After a single anti-tumor administration, stabilization of the tumor process was detected in 50% of female patients by the 60th day after drug administration. With multiple intra-tumoral administrations, stabilization was observed in 80% of female patients by the 82nd day,” Kuligina specified.
