|
Research Methods |
Metabolic Engineering The focus of metabolic engineering is on targeted improvement of cellular properties using modern genetic tools to redirect metabolic flux for specific industrial and medical purposes. Metabolic engineering differs from genetic engineering and related molecular biological sciences in that it concerns itself with the properties of the entire metabolic network as opposed to individual genes and enzymes. Metabolic engineering encompasses two important steps: 1) Manipulation of specific biochemical, or regulatory pathways inside a cell 2) Rigorous evaluation of the resulting cellular phenotypes It is now generally accepted that most cellular phenotypes are affected by complex interactions of cellular components at multiple regulatory levels. Our goal is to understand these interactions through the use of experimental and computational biology tools, such as metabolic flux analysis, to guide our efforts in optimizing biochemical pathways. Ultimately, understanding and intervening in these processes will provide insight to treating disease and achieving other biotechnological objectives, such as producing biofuels and (bio)chemicals. References Antoniewicz MR, Kraynie DF, Laffend LA, González-Lergier J, Kelleher JK, Stephanopoulos G. Antoniewicz MR, Kelleher JK, Stephanopoulos G. |
|
