81850 - Synthetic Biology (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

This course focuses on the application of a typical engineering approach to the complexity of the processes underlying gene expression, to schematize the design and implementation principles of artificial biomolecular systems. At the end of the course, the student should know how to use theoretical and practical tools useful for the design and fabrication of biological parts, devices and synthetic systems, or for the redesign of biological parts, devices and natural systems for application purposes. In particular, he should be able to: - design genetic circuits based on a standard modular approach, - describe and predict the dynamics of genetic circuits by using computational modeling.

Course contents

Unconventional applications for nucleic acids, e.g. a)DNA nanodevices; b)DNA computing; c)an autonomous molecular computer for logical control of gene expression
What is synthetic biology?
The international Genetically Engineered Machine competition
The Registry: a promoter and a terminator for transcription, a ribosome binding site (RBS) for translation
Small regulatory RNAs
The lab room and the equipment
Safety is priority: Biological safety and disposal
E. coli DNA: Chromosomes, plasmids and copy number
Chemical solutions and agar plates
BioBrick™ standard assembly and agarose gel electrophoretic analysis
Preparation of competent E. coli cells using CaCl2
Transformation of CaCl2-competent E. coli cells
Fluorimetry, fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry to measure a fluorescent reporter?
Mathematical modeling to describe and to predict the behavior of a genetic circuit

The lac operon
Rational design of modular circuits for gene transcription: a test of the bottom-up approach
A synthetic post-transcriptional controller to explore the modular design of gene circuits

Readings/Bibliography

Slides from classes will be available.

Current literature will be circulated in class.

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures in class, and practical activity in the lab for small students' groups attendance.

Assessment methods

Multiple choice test (= 5/30) +

Oral assessment, based on scientific literature discussed in the classroom throughout the course (= 25/30).

Teaching tools

Mol Cell Engn Lab "Silvio Cavalcanti" #3014

Office hours

See the website of Emanuele Domenico Giordano