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Emerging applications for DNA writers and molecular recorders
Fahim Farzadfard1, Timothy K Lu1
1Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 1, 2018
Summary
New DNA writing technologies allow scientists to engineer and study life. These tools enable the creation of genetic circuits for information processing and storage within living cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Synthetic Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Life's fundamental processes are encoded in evolvable, DNA-based memory systems.
- Recent technological breakthroughs are enabling direct manipulation and engineering of genomes within living organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in in vivo DNA writing technologies.
- To outline the prospects and applications of these genome-engineering tools.
- To discuss the capabilities and limitations of current technologies for genetic circuit construction.
Main Methods:
- Survey of dynamic genome-engineering technologies.
- Analysis of emerging applications in synthetic biology.
- Evaluation of genetic circuit design for information processing and recording.
Main Results:
- In vivo DNA writing technologies offer novel ways to investigate and engineer biological systems.
- These technologies facilitate the construction of sophisticated genetic circuits.
- Applications range from basic research to potential biotechnological uses.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic genome-engineering tools are rapidly advancing the field of synthetic biology.
- Further development is needed to overcome current limitations in building complex genetic circuits.
- These technologies hold significant promise for engineering life for information storage and processing.
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