Objective How can we create molecular life in the lab?That is, can we drive evolvable DNA/RNA-machines under a simple nonequilibrium setting? We will trigger basic formsof autonomous Darwinian evolution by implementing replication, mutation and selection on the molecular level in a singlemicro-chamber? We will explore protein-free replication schemes to tackle the Eigen-Paradox of replication and translationunder archaic nonequilibrium settings. The conditions mimic thermal gradients in porous rock near hydrothermal vents on theearly earth. We are in a unique position to pursue these questions due to our previous inventions of convective replication,optothermal molecule traps and light driven microfluidics. Four interconnected strategies are pursued ranging from basicreplication using tRNA-like hairpins, entropic cooling or UV degradation down to protein-based DNA evolution in a trap, allwith biotechnological applications. The approach is risky, however very interesting physics and biology on the way. We will:(i) Replicate DNA with continuous, convective PCR in the selection of a thermal molecule trap(ii) Replicate sequences with metastable, tRNA-like hairpins exponentially(iii) Build DNA complexes by structure-selective trapping to replicate by entropic decay(iv) Drive replication by Laser-based UV degradationBoth replication and trapping are exponential processes, yielding in combination a highly nonlinear dynamics. We proceedalong publishable steps and implement highly efficient modes of continuous molecular evolution. As shown in the past, wewill create biotechnological applications from basic scientific questions (see our NanoTemper Startup). The starting grant willallow us to compete with Jack Szostak who very recently picked up our approach [JACS 131, 9628 (2009)]. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutationnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biologymolecular evolution Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE3 - ERC Starting Grant - Condensed matter physics Call for proposal ERC-2010-StG_20091028 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN EU contribution € 1 487 827,00 Address GESCHWISTER SCHOLL PLATZ 1 80539 Muenchen Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Monika Bernhardt (Ms.) Principal investigator Dieter Braun (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN Germany EU contribution € 1 487 827,00 Address GESCHWISTER SCHOLL PLATZ 1 80539 Muenchen See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Monika Bernhardt (Ms.) Principal investigator Dieter Braun (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data