CZS Center SynGen

Focus topic:	Life Science Technologies
Type of funding:	Project funding programmes
Programme:	CZS Center
Funded institutions:	Universität Heidelberg Karlsruhe Institut of Technology (KIT) Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

At the CZS Centre SynGen, experts from the Universities of Heidelberg and Mainz and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are researching the use of new DNA synthesis and artificial intelligence technologies for revolutionary future applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Goals

DNA analysis is indispensable for biology and medicine. Today, it only takes a few days to completely determine genomes. The reverse process, the development and production of DNA the size of a genome, is technologically much more complex and challenging. However, it promises a wide range of potential applications in biomedical research, in the production of nanomaterials, in the bioproduction of new therapeutics or for the treatment of previously incurable diseases using immunotherapies or gene therapies.

Accordingly, synthetic genomics is an emerging field of research. It aims to extend functional genome analysis based on the now outstanding genome sequencing technologies to include the reverse process of genome synthesis. By producing artificial genome segments or even entire genomes, completely new insights into the functioning of organisms can be gained, for example in order to reprogramme bacteria or yeasts for the production of complex therapeutics.

The Heidelberg University, the University of Mainz and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are contributing their respective expertise. By pooling cross-location expertise in DNA design and development, the CZS Center SynGen is establishing a European centre for design, synthesis and application in the genetic production of biological materials.