Synthetic biology from the perspective of protein design and engineering - Dek Woolfson

Abstract:
Synthetic biology presents challenges in fundamental and applied science, and in engineering. It asks if we understand enough about biology to modularise and standardise into parts; and, then, if such parts can be designed, engineered and combined in new ways to achieve new functions. True, we can engineer biological systems now, success is being achieved in the area, and we should continue this empirical, ambitious and sometimes even fanciful approach to the design and engineering of biology. However, I believe that big leaps will come through improved understanding of how biological systems are built and how they function.

This need for further understanding is certainly the case when it comes to designing and engineering proteins where we still haven't cracked the protein-folding code, and we are a long way off designing or even tinkering with protein function, particularly enzyme activity, in predictable ways. That said, if we do not try we will never know how far these areas can be pushed. In addition, the synthetic-biology approach inspires us to dream up, and tackle ever more ambitious design and engineering goals. In my view, this new approach brings a breath of fresh air to the protein-design field.

I shall outline one view of what the field of synthetic biology is and might become in its broadest sense; and then how protein designers and engineers might benefit from and contribute to this exciting new area.