‘Gene expression’ is the biological process responsible for protein production from gene encoding DNA sequences. In living organisms, complex biochemical processes regulate gene expression. This includes ‘epigenetic modifications’ to DNA which control gene expression without altering their encoded instructions. Investigation of dysregulated gene expression events reveals an inextricable link between aberrant epigenetic modification and disease. However, the complex molecular factors governing epigenetic modification remain poorly understood. Inspired by the genome editing revolution, this project seeks to engineer systems of regulatory proteins that cooperatively function to both (1) characterize and (2) override epigenetic modification processes in living organisms. To accomplish this objective, the conventional protein engineering workflow will be reimagined into a novel strategy called 'protein systems engineering'. Protein systems engineering amalgamates approaches from computational protein design and synthetic biology to create a workflow for engineering proteins that operate in cooperation to achieve new functions. This is accomplished using ‘genetic circuitry’ to condense multiple complex protein functions into simplified gene expression events. Thus, this approach links the scientific discovery process to application driven engineering. Accordingly, this RFP seeks prospective proponents to submit proposals for the supply of a flow cytometer for high-throughput characterization of fluorescent protein genes delivered on genetic circuitry expressed in prokaryote hosts.

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