Researchers
build a toolbox for synthetic biology
Engineers
design new proteins that can help control novel genetic circuits in cells.
For about a
dozen years, synthetic biologists have been working on ways to design genetic
circuits to perform novel functions such as manufacturing new drugs, producing
fuel or even programming the suicide of cancer cells.
Achieving
these complex functions requires controlling many genetic and cellular
components, including not only genes but also the regulatory proteins that turn
them on and off. In a living cell, proteins called transcription factors often
regulate that process.
to read
more, click here