ChE Seminar Series: Biomolecular Systems Engineering – Next-Generation Transcriptional Programming

Details

Corey Wilson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology

Biomolecular Systems Engineering – Next-Generation Transcriptional Programming

Abstract
The control of gene expression is an important tool for metabolic engineering, the design of synthetic gene networks, and protein manufacturing. The most successful approaches to date are based on modulating mRNA synthesis via an inducible coupling to transcriptional effectors. Traditionally engineered genetic circuits have almost exclusively used naturally occurring transcription factors. The Wilson Lab has recently introduced a biological programming edifice based on an engineered system of non-natural transcription factors and complementary genetic architectures. This technology represents an important advance in synthetic biology via expanding biological computing capacity, and lays the foundation for the development of a complete (non-natural) biological programming language.

Bio
Dr. Corey J. Wilson is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Wilson’s research program seeks to engineer novel, non-natural biological systems of bespoke function for high-impact applications. Dr. Wilson’s lab leverages a unique blend of iterative protein engineering and genetic engineering to design novel synthetic biological systems. Current efforts are focused on the area of engineering cooperative systems of functional proteins and cognate genetic elements to create intelligent microorganisms. These studies represent the most rigorous test of our understanding of structure-function and phylogenetic relationships; in addition to, promoting the development of novel biological tools that will benefit society and advance the field of professional engineers.