Project description
A synthetic library of DNA regulatory sites could help control gene expression
All somatic cells in an organism contain the entire genetic code for all the proteins the organism makes. However, gene expression in cells is highly regulated by repressor or activator proteins that bind to DNA, often close to the start site of transcription. Given the critical role of gene expression in normal development and functioning and in disease, the EU-funded UNILIB project has developed a new tool to study and manipulate it better. A synthetic library of DNA patterns representing regulatory binding sites conserved in organisms from yeast to mammals could unlock gene expression in a myriad of applications. UNILIB plans to demonstrate its capabilities and pave the way for maximum impact.
Objective
DNA synthesis technology has greatly developed over recent years, serving a growing multi-billion synthetic DNA market. Synthetic DNA is used in projects that optimize reagents, chemicals, crops and other organisms, in projects seeking to increase the manufacturing efficiency for the above, as well as in studies of molecular regulation and other cellular processes. The latter is the focus of the MRG-GRammar H2020 FET project.
As part of the results of MRG-Grammar, we have developed a universal regulatory library that is made of binding sites motifs that have been shown to be highly active in every cell type that we have tested from yeast to mammalians. The library is synthesized with a new composite-base technology that was also developed in MRG-Grammar.
In this study, we propose to explore the application space for the universal library and resultant market potential. Requested funding will be used to complete the universal library proto-type and to demonstrate that expression of a biologic can be optimized with this tool. In addition, we will explore a potential service model, business model, and a licensing mechanism for the dissemination of the universal library for various stake-holders in the academia and private sectors.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
32000 Haifa
Israel