Our research focuses on developing and improving fusion proteins that combine mRNA capping enzymes and T7 RNA polymerase using synthetic gene circuits and structure-based deep learning models to create systems for dynamic gene regulation in eukaryotic hosts. While T7 RNA polymerase is ideal for gene expression in prokaryotic hosts, introducing it into eukaryotic hosts is challenging because eukaryotic mRNA requires post-transcriptional processing. To address this, we are engineering an enzyme capable of co-transcriptional capping by combining an mRNA capping enzyme with T7 RNA polymerase. To further enhance the fusion protein's activity, we are using a structure-based deep learning model to engineer both components. This approach aims to develop orthogonal dynamic gene expression systems in eukaryotic hosts, facilitating the production of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, as well as advancing metabolic engineering in eukaryotic hosts.

Associated Lab Members:

Seunggyun Woo