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Synthetic biology is enabling functional metagenomics by providing genetic circuits to identify new pathways that, in turn, facilitate design of new biosensors and synthetic systems.
This Perspective explores the diversity, mechanisms and practical aspects of natural and engineered CRISPR-associated nucleases for genome engineering applications.
Synthetic biology offers innovative approaches for engineering biological systems, but also supports the development of biocontainment strategies that ensure the safe application of genetically modified organisms.
Through molecular grafting, cyclic disulfide-rich peptides can be used as scaffolds to improve the stability, rigidity, and cellular uptake of bioactive peptides, although a number of factors should be considered when designing such grafted peptides.
Targeting the host during antibiotic discovery efforts is a viable strategy, and the approach has benefited from phenotypic screening of model organisms such as worms, zebrafish, and mice.