From Genome Editing to Synthetic Life: New Principles for Programmable Cellular Engineering

David Aphkhazava; Tsotne Javahishvili; Ilia Atanelishvili; Archil Chirakadze; Levan Gulua; Cezar Goletiani; Nino Nebieridze; Nino Maziashvili; Lolita Shengelia; Ketevan Chakhnashvili; Nodar Sulashvili; Mzia Tsiklauri; Manana Makharadze; George Maglakelidze

Authors

David Aphkhazava PhD, Professor, University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia. Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000- 0001- 6216-6477
Tsotne Javahishvili PhD, Professor, University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
Ilia Atanelishvili Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
Archil Chirakadze PhD, Georgian Technical University Institute "Techinform", Tbilisi, Georgia, Georgian Technical University Institute of Cybernetics, Tbilisi, Georgia, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Institute of Physics, Tbilisi, Georgia
Levan Gulua PhD, Professor, Head of bachelor program of Biomedicine at University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
Cezar Goletiani Professor at Free University of Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia, Head scientist at Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
Nino Nebieridze Associate Professor at Free University of Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
Nino Maziashvili Associate Professor, University of Georgia, Tamar Gagoshidze Neuropsychology Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
Lolita Shengelia PhD, Invited lecturer of Georgian National University, Tbilisi, Georgia; Invited lecturer of Georgian American University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Ketevan Chakhnashvili Clinical Director at Pineo Medical Ecosystem. Vice Dean of School of Medicine at Grigol Robakidze University. Tbilisi, Georgia
Nodar Sulashvili MD, PhD, Doctor of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences In Medicine, Invited Lecturer (Professor) of Scientific Research-Skills Center at Tbilisi State Medical University; Professor of Medical and Clinical Pharmacology of International School of Medicine at Alte University; Professor of Pharmacology of Faculty of Medicine at Georgian National University SEU, Associate Affiliated Professor of Medical Pharmacology of Faculty of Medicine at Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University; Associate Professor of Medical Pharmacology at School of Medicine at David Aghmashenebeli University of Georgia; Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Pharmacology Direction of School of Health Sciences at the University of Georgia. Associate Professor of Pharmacology of Faculty of Dentistry and Pharmacy at Tbilisi Humanitarian Teaching University; Tbilisi, Georgia; Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9005-8577.
Mzia Tsiklauri PhD, Affiliated Professor of the Medical Programs of Gr.Robakidze University, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Infection Control.Invited Professor of the Medical Programs of Alte University, Tbilisi, Georgia. Invited Professor of the Medical Programs of Caucasus International University, Laboratory Medicine, Tbilisi, Georgia. Member of the Georgian Immunologists Association, Member of the Accreditation Council of the Quality Development, Center of the Ministry of Education of Georgia
Manana Makharadze Prof. David Agmashenebeli University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.
George Maglakelidze PhD, Professor, University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia

Keywords:

genome editing, synthetic life, programmable cellular engineering, synthetic biology, genetic code expansion, directed evolution, cellular reprogramming, genomic engineering, therapeutic design, biosafety

Abstract

Programmable cellular engineering has emerged as a transformative paradigm in modern life sciences, bridging the gap between precise genome editing and the construction of synthetic biological systems. This article examines the conceptual and technological transition from conventional gene modification approaches toward the design of cells with programmable, adaptive, and potentially synthetic functionalities. It focuses on the integration of genome editing, genetic code expansion, synthetic regulatory circuits, and directed evolution as foundational tools for engineering biological systems with predictable behavior. Particular attention is given to how these strategies enable the reprogramming of cellular identity, the redesign of metabolic and signaling pathways, and the development of novel therapeutic platforms. The study further explores the implications of synthetic life concepts for biotechnology, regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and biosecurity. By outlining new principles of controllability, modularity, evolvability, and biosafety, this work proposes a framework for the next generation of programmable cellular systems. The convergence of genome engineering and synthetic biology is thus presented not only as a technical progression, but as a fundamental shift in how life can be understood, designed, and applied.

From Genome Editing to Synthetic Life: New Principles for Programmable Cellular Engineering

Authors

Keywords:

Abstract

Published

How to Cite

Issue

Section

License