Biobricks

This study describes design automation and predictable gene regulatory network engineering in a eukaryotic microorganism.

The protein complexes associated with specific chromatin marks in living cells are identified using engineered binding proteins.

Assembling multiple biological components into synthetic lipid vesicles is a limiting step in the manufacture of biomimetic cell-like structures. Here the authors use fusogenic proteoliposomes of opposite charge for fast assembly of a minimal electron transport chain consisting of F₁F₀ ATP-synthase and the proton pump bo₃-oxidase.

In this Timeline article, Collins and colleagues chart the history of synthetic biology since its inception just over a decade ago, with a focus on both the cultural and scientific progress that has been made as well as on key breakthroughs and areas for future development.