*EASTBIO* Development of cell-free genetic networks for biosensors and other synthetic biology applications

A recent publication from the laboratory of Jim Collins (1) described the implementation of synthetic genetic networks in a cell-free transcription-translation system consisting of freeze-dried bacterial or mammalian cell extracts. Cell free systems have many advantages for applications which require use outside of a laboratory, such as point-of-care or point-of-use diagnostics, as they do not require the use of living genetically modified cells. A wide variety of synthetic biology systems which have previously been demonstrated in living cells are also potentially applicable to cell-free systems. In this project we will seek to extend the concept of cell-free systems, to develop new design methods, to establish a library of well characterized genetic ’parts’ which can be used in cell-free systems, and to demonstrate use of such systems for real-world applications. Specifically, we will seek to develop design tools for cell-free systems based on the linguistic concept of a Context-Free Grammar. We will investigate different type of cell extract, immobilization matrices, preservation and storage methods, and usage conditions to extend the usefulness of such systems. We will design, build and test a library of standard Parts such as promoters, logic gates, and readable outputs, which can be applied to any project using cell free systems, and develop standards for their implementation. Finally, we will apply these developments to creating and testing systems for real world applications such as rapid diagnostic tests, both for environmental toxins such as arsenic (2), and for pathogens, based on RNA detection using the ’toehold’ biosensor concept (3).

Lab web site url: www.cailab.org

Lab web site url: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/biology/people?id=cfrench&cw_xml=research_profile.php