Genomic polymorphisms as inherent watermarks for tracking infectious agents

Daniel Jupiter

doi:10.3389/fmicb.2010.00109

Abstract

Genomic polymorphisms as inherent watermarks for tracking infectious agents

Highlights

We recently proposed an infectious agent control and tracking system that employs genetically engineered, synthetic, strain-specific DNA sequences – “synthetic watermarks (SWs)” – that allow organisms associated with a particular research entity to be distinguished from those of others in the research community (Jupiter et al, 2010)
The SW system is attractive because it provides a framework that can potentially reduce the possibility of mistaken source assignment in the event of malicious or accidental release of an infectious agent
An inherent watermarks (IWs) is a virtual string of strain-specific polymorphic sequences that are embedded within the genome of an infectious agent

Summary

Introduction

We recently proposed an infectious agent control and tracking system that employs genetically engineered, synthetic, strain-specific DNA sequences – “synthetic watermarks (SWs)” – that allow organisms associated with a particular research entity to be distinguished from those of others in the research community (Jupiter et al, 2010). The authorizing entity is charged with distributing organisms containing unique SW sequences to individual research entities, cataloging existing SWs, and acting as an intermediary in the sharing of watermarked agents. A proactive effort by the research community to develop watermarking strategies provides an opportunity to restore the public’s confidence in research entities working with highly infectious agents, which had become tarnished due to the still unresolved anthrax release case.

Results

Conclusion