Synthetic Components Network: Towards Synthetic Biology From The Bottom Up
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a new research field that is emerging at the interface between the biological & physical sciences and engineering. Essentially, the field involves the generation of new biological and so-called biomimetic systems to create new functions not (yet) observed in biology. What does this mean? In essence, it is a new science that could lead to new biological and biology-like entities that could produce new drugs, fuels and materials. Many researchers joining this new area are taking what is termed a 'top-down' approach: that is, they are taking existing biological organisms (usually bacteria) and making them simpler by removing genes; or the scientists are encouraging them to perform new tasks by engineering in new sets of genes from other organisms. We propose to take the opposite approach, namely to build new synthetic biological systems from the bottom up. To do this we need to understand how biology assembles and organises its various molecules (proteins, DNA, sugars and so on) to create working cells and multi-cellular systems. In short, we aim to create molecular toolkits based on those that Nature has evolved, and then we will use these toolkits to assemble larger systems that perform new functions. As this is such a new field we will not simply march into the lab and get started with experiments. First, we propose to gather together a Network of scientists from different disciplines to help define the field and a sensible way forward within it. There are also good ethical reasons why will do this first as explained below. Such new developments will always carry lay and public concerns, and a field labelled 'synthetic biology' is bound to raise some eyebrows if not alarm bells. As scientists it is important for us to conduct this research in order (1) to test the limits in our understanding of natural biological systems, and (2) to tap any potential technology developments that could benefit mankind and the environment. This is particularly so with an interface area such as synthetic biology, which promises much in terms of new materials, biofuels and medicines. Therefore, as a Network, we will endeavour to address any potential public concerns and issues raised in the new field at a very early stage. To do this, our Network will not only include scientists and engineers but also have ethicists, philosophers and academics expert in engaging the public in science and technology amongst its membership. This will allow informed debate of the potential issues of public concerns, as well as a thorough examination of the possible benefits and shortcomings of any new emerging technology. In addition, we have entered agreements with national science centres, including @Bristol and the Think Tank, Birmingham, to hold public events and create new installations to raise public awareness of the new area.
Technical Summary
The Network's main focuses will be (1) the challenge of creating synthetic, self-organising biological systems from the bottom up/that is, the generation of toolkits of self-assembling and functional components for synthetic biology/and (2) developing concepts and creating intellectual frameworks and routes towards tackling and surmounting this challenge. In addition, and importantly, the Network will tackle potential difficulties in this new field such as language barriers between the various participating disciplines, and potential public concerns. In order to address the science and these emerging issues, the Network comprises biologists, chemists, computer scientists, ethicists, engineers and physicists. Network members will meet and engage with the public through four main types of activity: 1. 6-monthly Discussion Meetings; 2. Annual Conferences; 3. Regular researcher exchanges between participating research labs; 4. Public engagement events. The Network will be managed by a Management Committee comprising scientists and administrators representing the main hubs of the Network and its key disciplines. Co-funding provided by EPSRC and AHRC under the Networks in Synthetic Biology initiative
Publications
Zaccai NR
(2011)
A de novo peptide hexamer with a mutable channel.
in Nature chemical biology
Description | This was a Synthetic Biology Network(ing) grant. No outputs in terms of paper were expected. However, this did lead to successful RC bids for the Synthetic Biology CDT and the Bristol SBRC, BrisSynBio. |
Exploitation Route | Yes, see above re. CDT and SBRC. |
Sectors | Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
URL | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/brissynbio/ |
Description | Biodesign for the bioeconomy: UK Synthetic Biology strategic plan 2016 |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Impact | This strategic plan, published by the Synthetic Biology Leadership Council (SBLC), aims to accelerate the commercialisation of synthetic biology products and services with clear public benefit, building upon the strength of the UK research base. It focuses on five key areas of strategic importance: Accelerating industrialisation and commercialisation Maximising the capability of the innovation pipeline Building an expert workforce Developing a supportive business environment, and Building value from national and international partnerships. |
URL | https://connect.innovateuk.org/documents/2826135/31405930/BioDesign+for+the+Bioeconomy+2016+-+DIGITA... |
Description | Innovation and Knowledge Centre in Synthetic Biology (Co-I on application) |
Amount | £5,074,187 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/L011573/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 09/2018 |
Description | Synthetic Biology Centre for Doctoral Training (Co-I) |
Amount | £4,705,815 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/L016494/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2014 |
End | 09/2022 |
Description | Synthetic Biology Research Centres: BrisSynBio |
Amount | £13,400,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/L01386X/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2014 |
End | 07/2019 |
Description | Parliamentary Science Committee presentation 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Approximately 200 people attended the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee meeting on the 17th June 2014. The audience included Parliamentarians, members of scientific bodies, science-based industry and academics. http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/sample-page/programme/ This meeting has subsequently been written up and included in the Autumn 2014 Science in Parliament (Vol 71 No 4: pgs 20 - 26) publication. Unknown |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Autumn-Contents-page.pdf |
Description | Pint of Science Festival: Dark side of protein science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | As part of the Pint of Science Festival, researchers from BrisSynBio participated in the 'Dark Matters' event. The event was held in Friska café, Bristol, and involved scientific crafts and discussions between researchers and the public. Director of BrisSynBio, Professor Dek Woolfson, along with Gail Bartlett, Jack Heal, Drew Thomson and Chris Wood organised the event 'Dark Matters'. Analogous to the idea of dark matter, protein science focuses on the protein structures that could theoretically exist but are not present in natural biology. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/publicengagementstories/stories/2015/dark-side-protein-science.html |
Description | Pint of Science, Bristol, UK, May 2015, "From galaxies of stars to a new universe of proteins" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Part of the Pint of Science 2015 Programme in Bristol. About 60 people attended. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://pintofscience.co.uk/event/dark-matters/ |
Description | RSC: Synthetic Biology: The Free Edinburgh Festival Fringe Show (Heal) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Supported by an award from the Royal Society of Chemistry,the Edinburgh Fringe Festival hosted its first science stand-up on the subject of synthetic biology. Jack Heal's 'Do Scientists Dream of Synthetic Sheep?' show took a comedic approach to genome engineering, de-extinction and more - with the crowd helping to shape its direction with questions and discussion. The show considered questions from artificial life to Jurassic Park, and ran for 21 days. Purpose: To interest the public in science. Outcome: The comic felt freshly enthused about doing [synthetic biology] research. Reflection: Free shows encourage people to take risks in their choices of which shows to see. This spirit is perfect for science outreach events which have to try hard to avoid becoming 'by scientists, for scientists'. None yet. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |
URL | http://www.bristol.ac.uk/publicengagementstories/stories/2016/jack-heal.html?platform=hootsuite |
Description | Synthetic proteins for a synthetic biology: faster, fitter, stronger |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Better Humans Science Café, Bristol, UK, October 5 2016, "Synthetic proteins for a synthetic biology: faster, fitter, stronger" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | The rise and rise of synthetic biology in the UK: science, policy and public perception |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Invited to Houses of Parliament, London, UK, June 2014, to speak to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/17-June-AGM-agenda.pdf |