Generative Engineering Biology: Genes and Beyond

The ability to equip genomes with novel properties offers potential for addressing questions not easily approachable with conventional gene-at-a-time methods. This include questions about evolution and about how genomes are wired logically, metabolically, and genetically. While DNA remains the foundation of biological engineering, and innovations like CRISPR have transformed genome targeting. Nevertheless, challenges persist in designing DNA that successfully expresses functional heterologous, AI-enhanced proteins, especially challenging when engineering large biochemical pathways. Using generative AI, we design genomic DNA aiming to expand to entire chromosomes, encoding sustainable processes, altogether getting us closer to synthetic life.

Control of Gene Expression: Towards Targeted Gene Therapies

At the heart of every cellular function lies the intricacy of protein expression. Leveraging the power of machine learning and high-throughput microfluidic technologies, we are deciphering the mechanisms of protein expression, regulation, and control. By mastering the machinery of gene expression, we aim to control biological systems, enhance their efficiency and adapt to diverse applications, from discovering efficient product-specific expression hosts to precision control of gene expression – paving the way for more targeted and effective gene therapies.

Tapping into the Planet's Enzymatic Repertoire for Bioremediation

Our planet’s microbiome is a parallelly evolving universe of enzymes, many of which remain undiscovered or underutilised for human applications. Recognising this enormous potential, we are on a quest to explore the planet’s enzymatic repertoire. Particularly, we’re focused on harnessing microbiome enzymes for bioremediation, currently working on plastic degrading enzymes towards developing feasible, sustainable approaches to remove environmental contaminants or convert them to useful products.