The fields of precision genome engineering and synthetic biology are undergoing a scientific revolution. Building on the rich resource of published genome sequences from a range of organisms (including humans), new enzymatic tools for the purposeful and precise modification of these genomes in vivo are enabling researchers to interrogate the complexity of genetic variation and determine the cause or consequence of mutations with unprecedented speed.
Together with rapidly developing tools in synthetic biology, it is now possible to introduce mutations to evaluate gene function, generate models of human genetic disease, perform gene correction, chromosomally integrate synthetic gene networks that perform complex regulatory functions, and redesign genome structure or build whole genomes from scratch.
This conference will bring together scientists who are: 1) developing tools for precision genome engineering; 2) using those tools for specific purposes in a wide range of organisms, including humans; 3) engineering cells with novel pathways and properties; and 4) creating whole synthetic genomes with prospects for wholesale reengineering.
This meeting will attract world experts in the development and application of synthetic biology and gene engineering – two fields that could benefit directly from the exchange of ideas, methods, problems and solutions to a new era of investigational biology. In addition, the meeting will provide an outstanding forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior investigators who envision careers in genome and pathway design.