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Synthetic biology moving into the clinic.
Literature Information
| DOI | 10.1126/science.1206843 |
|---|---|
| PMID | 21885773 |
| Journal | Science (New York, N.Y.) |
| Impact Factor | 45.8 |
| JCR Quartile | Q1 |
| Publication Year | 2011 |
| Times Cited | 162 |
| Keywords | Synthetic Biology, Clinical Application, Biomedical, Gene Networks, Cell Therapy |
| Literature Type | Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review |
| ISSN | 0036-8075 |
| Pages | 1248-52 |
| Issue | 333(6047) |
| Authors | Warren C Ruder, Ting Lu, James J Collins |
TL;DR
This research highlights the rapid advancements in synthetic biology over the past decade, particularly in engineering biomolecular systems for biomedical applications such as therapies for infectious diseases and cancer, vaccine development, and regenerative medicine. The findings underscore the potential of synthetic biology to revolutionize clinical practices and improve patient outcomes.
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Synthetic Biology · Clinical Application · Biomedical · Gene Networks · Cell Therapy
Abstract
Synthetic biology is an emerging field focused on engineering biomolecular systems and cellular capabilities for a variety of applications. Substantial progress began a little over a decade ago with the creation of synthetic gene networks inspired by electrical engineering. Since then, the field has designed and built increasingly complex circuits and constructs and begun to use these systems in a variety of settings, including the clinic. These efforts include the development of synthetic biology therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer, as well as approaches in vaccine development, microbiome engineering, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine. Here, we highlight advances in the biomedical application of synthetic biology and discuss the field's clinical potential.
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Primary Questions Addressed
- What are the key challenges in translating synthetic biology research into clinical applications?
- How do synthetic biology therapies compare to traditional treatment methods in terms of efficacy and safety?
- What role does synthetic biology play in the future of personalized medicine and targeted therapies?
- How can synthetic biology be integrated with existing healthcare infrastructures to enhance patient outcomes?
- What ethical considerations arise from the clinical application of synthetic biology technologies?
Key Findings
Key Insights
Research Background and Purpose: Synthetic biology is an innovative discipline that focuses on the design and engineering of biomolecular systems and cellular functions. Emerging from the intersection of biology and engineering, the field has made significant strides in the last decade, particularly in creating synthetic gene networks modeled after electrical engineering principles. The purpose of this research is to explore the advancements in synthetic biology and its clinical applications, highlighting how engineered biological systems can revolutionize treatment strategies for various diseases, such as infectious diseases and cancer.
Main Methods and Findings: The researchers have utilized a range of engineering principles to develop and construct complex synthetic biological circuits. These circuits are designed to perform specific functions within biological systems, allowing for tailored therapeutic interventions. Key findings include the successful application of synthetic biology in the development of novel therapies, including:
- Infectious Disease Treatments: Engineering microbial systems to target and eliminate pathogens.
- Cancer Therapies: Designing cells that can identify and destroy cancerous cells through targeted mechanisms.
- Vaccine Development: Creating synthetic antigens that enhance immune response.
- Microbiome Engineering: Modifying gut microbiota to improve health outcomes.
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine: Utilizing engineered cells to restore function or regenerate damaged tissues.
Core Conclusions: The advances in synthetic biology indicate a promising trajectory toward transforming clinical practices. The engineered biomolecular systems are not only capable of addressing current medical challenges but also offer innovative solutions that were previously unattainable. The ability to construct complex biological circuits allows for personalized medicine approaches, enabling treatments to be tailored to individual patient needs. The integration of synthetic biology into clinical settings represents a significant leap forward in therapeutic options.
Research Significance and Impact: The implications of this research are profound, as synthetic biology has the potential to address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. By bridging engineering and biology, synthetic biology can lead to the development of more effective treatments, enhance vaccine efficacy, and improve patient outcomes in a range of medical conditions. Furthermore, the field holds promise for advancing regenerative medicine and microbiome therapies, thereby reshaping the landscape of healthcare. As synthetic biology continues to evolve, its integration into clinical practice could fundamentally alter how diseases are treated, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and collaboration between biologists, engineers, and clinicians.
Literatures Citing This Work
- Synthetic biology: integrated gene circuits. - Nagarajan Nandagopal;Michael B Elowitz - Science (New York, N.Y.) (2011)
- Emerging biomedical applications of synthetic biology. - Wilfried Weber;Martin Fussenegger - Nature reviews. Genetics (2011)
- Rationally designed families of orthogonal RNA regulators of translation. - Vivek K Mutalik;Lei Qi;Joao C Guimaraes;Julius B Lucks;Adam P Arkin - Nature chemical biology (2012)
- Engineering commensal bacteria for prophylaxis against infection. - Yih-Lin Goh;HongFei He;John C March - Current opinion in biotechnology (2012)
- Mapping the environmental fitness landscape of a synthetic gene circuit. - Dmitry Nevozhay;Rhys M Adams;Elizabeth Van Itallie;Matthew R Bennett;Gábor Balázsi - PLoS computational biology (2012)
- Social interaction, noise and antibiotic-mediated switches in the intestinal microbiota. - Vanni Bucci;Serena Bradde;Giulio Biroli;Joao B Xavier - PLoS computational biology (2012)
- Foundations for the design and implementation of synthetic genetic circuits. - Adrian L Slusarczyk;Allen Lin;Ron Weiss - Nature reviews. Genetics (2012)
- Risk factors and early detection of breast cancer: facts, questions, and genome-based perspectives. - Demosthenes E Ziogas - Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) (2012)
- Towards the rational design of synthetic cells with prescribed population dynamics. - Neil Dalchau;Matthew J Smith;Samuel Martin;James R Brown;Stephen Emmott;Andrew Phillips - Journal of the Royal Society, Interface (2012)
- Dynamical systems approach to endothelial heterogeneity. - Erzsébet Ravasz Regan;William C Aird - Circulation research (2012)
... (152 more literatures)
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