Investigators have come to refer to synthetic biology as the
redesign and fabrication of existing biological systems as well
as the creation of components of biological systems not found in
nature. [© 4designersart - Fotolia.com] What does it take to
transform a microbe normally found in the intestinal tract into
a cancer-killing machine? These and other questions about the
applicability of synthetic biology abound. For cancer research
in particular, the field of syn bio could both reveal new
insights into the disease and potentially lead to new
treatments. Despite exciting developments in synthetic biology,
however, whether the NIH will found and dedicate a specific new
program to this field remains to be seen. NCI and the National
Institute of General Medical Sciences held a workshop in April
2010 with an eye toward understanding the opportunities for
biomedical research in synthetic biology, J. Jerry Li, M.D.,
Ph.D., Division of Cancer Biology program director, told GEN.
“We invited program managers from o