The Synthetic Biology Research center was registered on August 19, 2022 by Clara Isabel Bermúdez Santanda, Associate Professor of the Department of Biology as an inter-site initiative that constitutes a collaborative space in which students from different disciplines have support from professors, interested in the development of synthetic biology at the Universidad Nacional.
In the theoretical and evolutionary molecular biology research group (BMTE), we are motivated by the conviction that heterospecific associations (symbiosis) challenge our conception of biological individuality and that understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie them has strong implications for evolutionary innovation and applications in various industries.
Within five years, the Group aims to be able to conduct computational experiments on evolutionary models that can represent information conversions and the resulting energy gains usable by evolving entities. This can be achieved at the level of both virtual organisms and natural proteins and RNA.
We currently have 4 lines of research, which are as it follows:
Analysis of the structure-function relationship in molecular biology from the perspective of organizational continuity at hierarchical levels
Evolution of non-coding genomic regions
Identification of molecular mechanisms underlying symbiotic interactions
Computational design of genetic circuits in microorganisms to modulate host physiology
Researchers: Angelica Millan Aldana, Maryam Chaib De Mares, Daniel Schindler (MPI Terrestrial Microbiology)
Vibrio natriegens is emerging as a potential host for biotechnology, mainly due to its remarkable intrinsic properties such as exceptional growth rates and versatile metabolites. Although recent studies have highlighted the potential of V. natriegens for biotechnological applications, a deeper understanding of its metabolism and regulation is needed to fully exploit its potential. This study focuses on characterising the metabolome and establishing growth conditions for V. natriegens in defined media.
Researchers: Julieth Camila Naranjo, Maryam Chaib De Mares
Tropane alkaloids (TAs) are essential compounds in medicine, used to treat various conditions. However, their current production through solanaceous plant cultivation faces significant limitations, such as the complexity and cost of chemical synthesis, dependence on agriculture, and negative environmental impact.
Researchers: Diego Enrique Carrillo RuÃz, Maryam Chaib De Mares, Daniel Fernando Rojas Tapias (Agrosavia)
The use of microbial consortia in the degradation of recalcitrant plant material has been proposed as a naturally occurring alternative to increasing the saccharification efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass. This work consists of characterizing the carbohydrate-active enzymes present in the feces of the porcupine Coendou vestitus, a herbivore whose diet is primarily plant-based.
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