A major aim of synthetic biology is the engineering of networks that perform specific tasks, such as gene expression, with desired dynamics. Such networks will ultimately have applications in environmental sensing, diagnostics, therapeutics, process control and other areas. Transcription factors and promoter regions are used to build regulatory networks within cells that are analogous to digital logic circuits.

In this project we are building on the existing Bristol strengths in membrane protein biology and de novo protein design to extend and improve the range of biological “parts” that are available to build these circuits.

Project lead: Professor Nigel Savery (transcription)

Project team: Dr Paul Curnow (membrane proteins); Professor Mario di Bernardo (mathematical modelling of networks); Professor Claire Grierson (biological networks); Professor Dek Woolfson (protein design) and Dr Richard Sessions (molecular modelling)