Our aim is to create a tool and develop a strategy for engineering a new generation of specialized and versatile yeast cells capable of carrying out a wider range of highly specific tasks. This endeavor involves the development of robust artificial chassis yeast that can provide advanced physiology and novel synthetic functions, thus propelling synthetic biology towards more cutting-edge and real-world applications.
Considering the ideal multidisciplinary environment at KAIST, where machine learning and synthetic metabolic engineering can merge seamlessly, our research interest lies in developing yeast cells capable of efficiently producing natural products, polymer precursors, and alternative fuels. The primary objective of this research is to address a wide range of vital applications in human and environmental health, as well as diverse industries.
We plan to develop a novel synthetic biology tool that enables a newfound control of biological systems, facilitating efficient multiplexed optimization of metabolic pathways and precise regulation of cellular activity. This tool will provide programmable and targeted transcription regulation, enabling genome-wide gain/loss of function screens and allowing easier and faster cell tuning.