Cellular Superpowers and Disease Control via Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is an emerging field that aims to design and engineer novel biological systems and functions. One of the promising applications of synthetic biology is to develop smarter cell-based therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases, especially cancer.

What is synthetic biology?

Synthetic biology can be defined as the engineering of biological systems with standardized and modular parts, such as genes, proteins, and circuits. Synthetic biology can also involve the creation of new biological parts or systems that do not exist in nature. Synthetic biology can enable precise control and manipulation of cellular behavior, such as gene expression, signaling, metabolism, and differentiation.

How can synthetic biology help fight diseases?

Synthetic biology can help fight diseases by enhancing the capabilities of natural or engineered cells to sense, target, and eliminate pathogens or tumors. For example, synthetic biology can be used to:

• Create bioengineered probiotics that can detect and kill harmful bacteria in the gut, such as Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Clostridioides difficile .
• Design synthetic gene circuits that can regulate the production of therapeutic proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies, in mammalian cells .
• Reprogram immune cells, such as T-cells, to recognize and attack specific antigens on cancer cells, while avoiding off-target effects and over-activation .
• Develop synthetic sensors and actuators that can respond to environmental cues and modulate cellular functions, such as apoptosis, migration, and differentiation .

What are the challenges and opportunities of synthetic biology?

Synthetic biology faces several challenges, such as the complexity and variability of biological systems, the ethical and social implications of creating new life forms, and the potential risks of unintended consequences or misuse. However, synthetic biology also offers tremendous opportunities for innovation and discovery in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, energy, and environment. Synthetic biology can potentially revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, prevent, and cure diseases.