DNA tool kit goes live online

Standard control sequences aim to make genetic engineering more predictable
March 19, 2013

(Credit: BIOFAB)

BIOFAB, based in Emery­ville, California, which calls itself  “the world’s first biological design-build facility,” has announced availability of DNA sequences that allow precise control of gene activity in the bacterium Escherichia coli, Nature News reports.

Launched in 2009 with a US$1.4-million grant from the National Science Foundation, BIOFAB aims to advance synthetic biology by creating standard biological ‘parts’ in the form of DNA sequences that control gene expression. These standard sequences should allow biologists to engineer cells that can make medicines and perform other useful tasks simply by plugging in various sets of genes.

Users are able to use BIOFAB’s computer-aided-design software tools to more efficiently design and construct new biological parts, using BIOFAB’s libraries of standard biological parts.

.