Programmable evolution of optogenetic systems

项目摘要：该项目是专门为候选人量身定制的，Nhu Dao，进行生物医学 research. Nhu的研究涉及开发新的蛋白质，这些蛋白质可以利用光进行光切割， 用于生物成像，研究细胞和发育生物学，光学控制3D打印，以及 更多.使用一个能使基因持续进化的系统，只有含有基因的细胞才能做出反应， 到特定波长（颜色）的光将增长。这个过程可以快速进化出这类新蛋白质 以前所未有的速度。从这种进化中产生的蛋白质将使用来自 以前由PI教授的本科生“生物化学技术”课程。该项目使用硬件 从父母补助金与微小的修改，使时间和可行性的理想本科 research. 除了研究培训经验，候选人将接受广泛的道德培训， 项目管理、学习/教学相关技能、写作、演讲技巧、人际关系技巧，以及 更多.这项培训最初将在“靴子训练营”中进行，然后在整个 年最后，这种培训和研究将最终以手稿形式和 将在几个海报研讨会上展示的海报。结合起来，这种经验将促进 候选人的职业生涯，准备她在生物医学研究的成功，在4年的计划，研究生院， 以及更远的地方

Project Summary: This project is specifically tailored for the candidate, Nhu Dao, to conduct biomedical research. Nhu’s research involves evolving novel proteins that can be photo-cleaved using light, allowing for uses in biological imaging, studying cellular and developmental biology, optically controlled 3D printing, and more. Using a system that enables a gene to continuously evolve, only cells containing a gene that responds to specific wavelengths (colors) of light will grow. This process can rapidly evolve this new class of proteins at an unprecedented pace. Proteins resulting from this evolution will be characterized using techniques from an undergraduate “Biochemical Techniques” course previously taught by the PI. The project uses hardware from the parent grant with minor modifications, making the timing and feasibility ideal for undergraduate research. In addition to the research training experience, the candidate will undergo extensive training in ethics, project management, learning/teaching-related skills, writing, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, and more. This training will initially take place in a “boot camp” setting and then be expanded upon throughout the year. Finally, this training and research will culminate in writing about the research in manuscript form and in a poster that will be presented in several poster symposia. Combined, this experience will boost the candidate’s career, preparing her for success in biomedical research in a 4-year program, graduate school, and beyond.