Digital Biology Networkdigitalbiology.org/archive/presentations/Digital Biology Network.pdf ·...
Transcript of Digital Biology Networkdigitalbiology.org/archive/presentations/Digital Biology Network.pdf ·...
Digital Biology Network
Kick-off MeetingJanuary 16, 2008
CSC 333
Outline
• Welcome and introductions• What is DBN?
– Synthetic biology– iGEM program– How it is being adapted– What’s expected
• Future meetings and communications
Welcome!
What is the DBN?• Synthetic biology is a basket of technologies that
facilitate the engineering of living organisms• DNA is source code for cell-based processors• Challenges:
– Computational tools that facilitate the writing of programs
– Choice of applications to be developed– Design, programming, testing, debugging
11/23/2007
Applications dependent on synthetic capabilities
basepairs
102 107105104103 106
single genes*
genetic circuits, viruses, GEMs Engineered organisms
minimal life
iGEM Philosophy
• Engineered biology• Open standards• Library of modular parts (BioBricks™)• Low cost• Explore application space• Compete• Share• Increase complexity and reliability
Digital Biology Network
• “Professional” version of iGEM• Works in similar way – ie. grassroots
project development• Education, interfaces, brainstorming• Eye to high value applications• Compete for limited resources (human, $)• Link to other groups – communications,
software, parts libraries
Potential applications
• Commodity chemicals• Biofuels• Specialty chemicals• Biosensors• Basic functions – eg. inverters, amplifiers,
cellular localization, behaviors• Software• Hardware
Extending Alberta’s Leadership
• Expanding provincial government support and recognition for iGEM and synthetic biology
• Course creation/outreach programs• Digital Biology Network to facilitate
professional-grade standards-based biology
• Application-based, ground-up development approach