Success stories
Though our lab was only recently established, we've been at the forefront of pioneering new concepts in synthetic biology and immunotherapy. Our contributions have already made significant impacts.
Beyond the Spike: Pioneering Discoveries in the Heart of a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic tested us all, both personally and professionally. As nations grappled with lockdowns, scientists globally ramped up their efforts to decode the mysteries of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We all played our part.
In the summer of 2020, at the pandemic’s onset, we collaborated with an interdisciplinary team from the University of Bristol and the Max Planck Center Bristol in the UK. Our colleagues there achieved a groundbreaking discovery: they identified the molecular structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding unexpectedly to a fatty acid, specifically linoleic acid (Toelzer et al. (2020) Science). This finding was monumental. The fatty acid essentially „locked“ the spike protein, preventing it from infecting cells. We soon recognized the profound implications this could have on our understanding of COVID-19.
As the pandemic evolved, we delved deeper into the fatty acid binding pocket’s role. Notably, all emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants retained this binding pocket. Using our understand-by-design approach, in partnership with the Max Planck Center, we crafted non-infective, molecularly defined minimal synthetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 virions. This allowed us to methodically analyze the fatty acid’s role in virus-cell docking (Staufer et al. (2021) Nature Communications). Our research led to a model that elucidated the evolutionary advantage of the fatty acid binding pocket: it shields the virus from immune detection. This molecular switch modulates the virus’s infectivity, adapting to the immune system’s local activity and inflammation.
Our minimal virions also shed light on the evolution and diversity of SARS-CoV-2 (Gupta et al. (2021) Nature Communications) and provided insights into how the virus impedes the formation of immune synapses (Onnis et al. (2022) Journal of Experimental Medicine). Our discoveries surrounding the fatty acid binding pocket even spurred the creation of Halo Therapeutics, a UK-based company now developing pan-coronavirus treatments. Halo just completed its Series A funding!
In summary, our journey has been both challenging and rewarding. We’ve made groundbreaking scientific discoveries, engaged in enriching discussions, and forged new partnerships, all underpinned by our understand-by-design approach. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the face of adversity.
Synthetic Surge: Engineering Life's Blueprint in the New Age of Biology
In the realm of biology, the understand-by-design approach isn’t a newcomer. For decades, scientists have endeavored to recreate cellular life. Yet, it’s the emergence of advanced molecular systems engineering and the capability to craft supramolecular systems in test tubes that has truly transformed our pace. Now, we can swiftly replicate natural cells with varied functions, from cell division to regulating cellular immunity.
Armed with these cutting-edge tools, the global race towards synthetic cells is in full swing. Numerous labs and initiatives are sprouting, all with a shared vision: to birth the first living synthetic cells. While some delve deep into life’s fundamentals, others see a future where these synthetic cells, being more controllable, can revolutionize sustainability and medicine.
Spurred by the SynCell conference in 2021 and in collaboration with global partners, we’ve embarked on a mission to streamline these worldwide endeavors. Joining forces with early-career scientists from nations like the US, UK, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, France, Japan, and Australia, we’ve brainstormed ways to attract the next generation of innovators to this field. Our aspiration goes beyond just cells; we aim to build a community to engineer synthetic cells and organelles from the bottom-up! We’ve strategized to amplify the socioeconomic and technological impacts of synthetic cells and emphasized the importance of an interconnected, interdisciplinary research community (Staufer et al. (2021) eLife). By bolstering communication, sharing resources, and initiating educational programs, we believe in a sustainable future for this field.
Our journey, bridging continents and disciplines, stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of science. Witnessing the passion and drive of early-career scientists has been turely enriching!