Theme 1 research addresses the unpredictability of synthetic gene circuits (SGCs) and their over-reliance on bacterial (transcriptional) components.

WISB researchers are developing new types of synthetic biomolecular circuitry for use in prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts. In addition, a number of features of living cells, including stochasticity and circuit-host interactions, introduce variables into the function of biomolecular circuitry that limit their robustness and scalability, thus significantly constraining the potential of SGCs. Advanced computer design tools, combined with novel experimental approaches and state-of-the-art technology, are being used to find solutions to these major challenges. The knowhow developed in this Theme is fed into our other Themes.