Synthetic biology brings together a broad range of disciplines across biology and engineering to design and construct novel biological circuits or modify existing biological systems. Over the course of my research project, I will be developing RNA-based circuits using a library of RNA endonucleases that cleave in the middle of RNA polynucleotides to disrupt function in combination with other RNA constructs. I will work with both computational models and modular wet lab experiments to build up these circuits. RNA-based systems limit the amount of exogenous proteins, reducing load and stress on the cell and also avoid immune responses to these proteins. Development of circuits using these RNA switches opens up the tool to many future applications, especially for therapeutic intervention.

I’m looking forward to applying the skills I learned in 6.129 (Biological Circuit Engineering Laboratory) to designing and building synthetic biology circuits in a new context. This research has the potential for therapeutic applications and is also at the forefront of the synthetic biology field. I’m excited about learning about the tools and techniques being currently used in the field and about helping develop new tools.