INTEREST GROUP
WMIS COMMUNITY
ABOUT SyBRG
The interest group on Synthetic Biology and Reporter Genes (SyBRG) will focus on topics related to the development and applications of genetically engineered and encoded molecular imaging technologies. These technologies enable the observation and perturbation of cellular processes such as migration, gene expression, protein function, metabolism and biochemical signaling in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, transgenic model organisms and genetic and cellular therapies. The interest group will focus on relevant advances in synthetic biology, including gene circuits and genome editing methods, in addition to relevant advances in reporter genes for in vivo imaging modalities including MRI, ultrasound, bioluminescence, fluorescence, photoacoustics and nuclear imaging. SyBRG will emphasize the connection between synthetic biology and reporter genes, given that reporter genes enable the observation of synthetic biology processes in vivo while synthetic biological methods enhance the development and deployment of reporter genes in biological and medical imaging.
Mission Statement
To advance the development of reporter genes and synthetic biology tools and methods for molecular imaging and their adoption in biological, translational and clinical applications.
Strategic Directions
- Encourage the development and use of reporter genes and other synthetic biology tools in basic biology, disease biology and translational research
- Provide thought leadership on the translation of genetically engineered and/or encoded imaging technologies into the clinic, as stand-alone diagnostics or as part of gene or cell therapies, including the appropriate regulatory pathways
- Disseminate and encourage adoption of advances in molecular imaging by the broader synthetic biology community by engaging with relevant scientific journals and societies and encouraging attendance of WMIC
- Identify “grand challenge” areas of synthetic biology and reporter gene research that require major breakthroughs
- Encourage cross-disciplinary training of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows that combines the physical and engineering aspects of molecular imaging with the molecular and cellular aspects of synthetic biology
- Provide a forum for researchers interested in reporter genes and synthetic biology to share ideas, collaborate and recruit trainees
Leadership
Co-Chair:
Arnab Mukherjee, PhD
UC Santa Barbara
Co-Chair:
Mark Sellmyer, MD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania, USA
Past Leadership
Past Leadership:
Co-Chair:
Jung-Joon (John) Min, MD, PhD
Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics
More information>>
Co-Chair:
Prof. Dr. Gil Westmeyer
Technical University Munich, Germany
More information>>
Brian Chow, PhD
University of Pennsylvania, USA
Mikhail Shapiro, PhD
Founding Co-Chair
California Institute of Technology, USA
Assaf Gilad, PhD
Founding Co-Chair
Michigan State University, USA
Prof. Gil Westmeyer
Co-Vice Chair
Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
Member Resources
View the video to learn more about the SyBRG Interest Group
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