In addition to its annual lectures, ChBE hosts seminars throughout the year with invited lecturers who are prominent in their fields. Unless otherwise noted, all seminars are held on Wednesdays in the Molecular Science and Engineering Building ("M" Building) in G011 (Cherry Logan Emerson Lecture Theater) at 4 p.m. Refreshments are served at 3:30 p.m. in the Emerson-Lewis Reception Salon.

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"Mammalian Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing"

Leonidas Bleris, Assistant Professor, Departments of Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas

Abstract:
Processing molecular signals in cells can redefine personalized medicine allowing for studying, diagnosing, preventing, and treating disease in ways that achieve optimal and highly specific health-care. Towards that direction we have constructed complex molecular information-processing genetic circuits. We will present examples ranging from general-purpose processors to biological decoders operating in human cells. We will also demonstrate that specific circuit architectures can enhance reliability and robustness. In addition to advances in mammalian synthetic biology we will highlight the transformative impact of genome editing technologies in probing, reengineering, and controlling cells. Specifically, we will present TALE (Transcription Activator-like Effector) hybrids engineered to respond to endogenous signals and capable of controlling transgenes. We will also describe the assembly and demonstrate the use of comprehensive and versatile TALE libraries. Finally, we will present new results on the use of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) for introducing sophisticated genome modifications and as a component of synthetic circuits for gene delivery.