James J. Collins talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's Fast Breaking Paper Paper in the field of Biology
& Biochemistry.
Article Title: Diversity-based, model-guided
construction of synthetic gene networks with predicted
functions
Authors: Ellis, T;Wang, X;Collins, JJ
Journal: NAT BIOTECHNOL, Volume: 27, Issue: 5, Page: 465-471,
Year: MAY 2009
* Boston Univ, Howard Hughes Med Inst, Boston, MA 02215
USA.
* Boston Univ, Howard Hughes Med Inst, Boston, MA 02215
USA.
* Boston Univ, Dept Biomed Engn, Ctr BioDynam, Boston, MA 02215
USA.
* Boston Univ, Ctr Adv Biotechnol, Boston, MA 02215 USA.
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
We think our paper is highly cited because it addresses an outstanding,
important problem in the emerging field of synthetic biology.
Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or
synthesis of knowledge?
We developed an innovative methodology that enables one to design and
construct synthetic gene networks with predictable functions, without the
need for post-hoc tweaking.
"Developments in synthetic biology will increasingly
impact our society, leading to more effective means to
treat diseases, create novel materials, and address our
growing energy demands."
Our approach couples libraries of diversified components (synthesized with
randomized non-essential sequence) with in silico modeling to
guide predictable gene network construction.
We used our approach to create synthetic gene networks that can act as
predictable timers, and we utilized these networks to control the timing of
yeast sedimentation. In doing so, we illustrated how the plug-and-play
nature of our methodology can be readily applied to problems in
biotechnology.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper
in layman's terms?
Our study serves to fast-track design and construction efforts in synthetic
biology. Prior to our study, the basic task of assembling a predictable
gene network from biomolecular parts was far from straightforward, usually
requiring significant molecular biology expertise and many months of
post-hoc tweaking before a synthetic network with acceptable behavior could
be realized.
How did you become involved in this research, and
were there any problems along the way?
We have been involved in the field of synthetic biology since its
inception. We were motivated to address the above problem because we were
frustrated with the extended trial-and-error efforts needed to create
synthetic gene networks that function as desired.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
We are currently working on developing additional, innovative methodologies
and resources that can serve to fast-track efforts in synthetic biology.
Additionally, we are using these technologies to create novel synthetic
gene networks with a diverse array of functions and characteristics.
Do you foresee any social or political
implications for you research?
Developments in synthetic biology will increasingly impact our society,
leading to more effective means to treat diseases, create novel materials,
and address our growing energy demands.
James J. Collins, Ph.D.
Investigator
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
and William F. Warren Distinguished Professor, University Professor
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Co-Director
Center for BioDynamics
Boston University
Boston, MA, USA Web and Core Founding Faculty Member
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA, USA Web