Biohacking & DYBio

Hacking genetics for fun, profit, computation and self transcendence

Parallels with Software

• Strong move to Open Source– Push for open genetics databases– Counter-culture aspects– Tools now for hacking genetic sequences– Batch compilation (from internet) to actual

desigener DNA sequences– Much better tools and communication than in

early software hacking days• Moving very rapidly

DIYBio

• Amateur biotechnology– Engineering biology– Doing engineering, computation with biological

components– Rejiggering DNA– Ordering new DNA sequences over the web

• DIY Genomics

DIY Genomics

• Personal health management base on your own genome• Links genotypic data streams to biophysical test and

tracking– Many into personal monitoring some on continuous basis

• Several active volunteer studies are in process• Suite of associated apps on mobile devices• Groups

– 23andme– Genorama– deCodeMe– Navigenics

Some Biohacking Resources

• Creative Biotechnology – A User’s Manual• Biotech Hobbyist Magazine• Modern Biology Catalog• Various biotech biohacking sites– Genetic Engineering News– bioExchange– Open biotech and bioengineering database– Retrovirus genomes– PCR at home..

DIY Genomics

• Get your own genes sequenced• Applications to genome specific medicine• Knowledge of genetic proclivities– Can guide better health choices– Provide basis for tailored medicine and avoidance

of genome contraindicated treatements• Hacking your own genome is not

recommened– Yet

Tools of the trade

• Genetic modeling programs• Published genetic information• Mail order synthetic DNA compilation from

designs• Gene hacking– Reporter and constructor sequences – Vectors for introducing change• Viral vectors

Some Backgrond Terminology

• Molecular biology• Reporter Gene– An easily identified marker present only when the

sought genetic change is present• DNA vs RNA• Protein biosynthesis• Transcription• GeneTranslation

Types of RNA• Messenger (mRNA) – will translate into a

polypeptide• Ribosomal – (rRNA) builds machinery for

syntherisizing proteins from mRNA• Transfer (tRNA) – carry amino acids to the

growing polypeptide• Small nuclear(snRNA) – transcriptions for

creating mRNA, rRNA, tRNA• Micro RNA (miRNA) – appear within mRNA and

regulates its expression

• All terrestrial species have double strand DNA– Except RNA viruses

• Two entwined long polymers made of of nucleotides

Groups and Organizations

• BIOS – Biological Innovation for Open Society– Innovation and freedom to operate in biological sciences

• Especially focused on agricultural biotech

– CambiaLabs• Transbacter

– Bacteria used for gene transfer to plants (published in Nature) Works around patented methods

• GusPlus– Measuring and monitoring bioagents.

• bioForge

• BioBricks

pCambia legacy vectors

Nanoscale engineering with DNA/RNA

• DNA has been made to self assemble into a variety of nanoscale structures– Round gears, curved tubes, capsules– Cross linked helixes with target insertions and

deletions of base pairs• Molecular aqueous logic gates– One way to computational machinery in biological

organism• Building nanotubes out of DNA strands

DNA/RNA computation

• Molecular computing– Typically RNA/DNA in solution to solve combinatorial problems

• Smolke and Win design– Sensors, actuators and transmitters made from RNA– Currently model mainly used for detecting conditions in

biological systems– All basic computational elements

• DNA/RNA computing characteristics– Massive parallelism– Much lower power consumption– No new computational abilities though

Molecular Computing