Mathematical Medicine and Biology seminar | Brian Ingalls, Model-based Design in Synthetic Biology

B1 266 (Dean's conference room)

Speaker

Brian Ingalls, Applied Math, University of Waterloo

Title

Model-based Design in Synthetic Biology

Abstract

Research in synthetic biology aims to apply engineering principles (such as modularity, rationalization, and modelling), to the manipulation of cellular systems. The first synthetic biology constructs, announced in the year 2000, were gene regulatory networks that were 're-wired' to achieve particular functions. Over the following decade, a wide range of applications have been explored.

Mathematical modelling plays a crucial role in the construction of these dynamic systems, and model-based design is a standard component of many synthetic biology projects.

This talk will introduce the design, construction, and modelling of synthetic gene circuits, and will highlight two on-going projects: a genetic integral controller, and a synthetic gene circuit designed to facilitate bacteria-mediated cancer therapy.