Syntax in Epigenetic Programming for Stem Cell DIfferentaition and Therapeutics

Our genomes encode the re-use of elements (i.e. signaling pathways, transcription factors, etc) in multiple distinct contexts to achieve remarkably organized processes during embryogenesis. In this presentation, we will discuss 1) how the sequential order of activities can be essential for those activities' ability to carry out genetic instructions, 2) the development of a synthetic biology system for programming step-wise stimulation of multiple activites in stem cells, and 3) building a company that uses synthetic biology to program human stem cell differentiation.

Brad Merrill, PhD is currently a professor within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at University of Illinois (UIC). Brad received his PhD from University of California, San Diego and Postdoc at the University of Chicago, and Rockefeller University. After training in yeast genetics and mouse developmental biology, he started his research lab at UIC in 2004. Over the last two decades, Brad has been fortunate enough to have curious and dedicated trainees pursue research into a variety of shared research interests, including the molecular biology of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, roles of Tcf/Lef factors in animals and stem cells, and the dynamic process of gastrulation. Recently, his group began to use the interesting biology of CRISPR systems for engineering synthetic biological tools, including the platform technology for the local biotech start-up, Syntax Bio.