FEATURE
This is Andy. He directs evolution. I basically use evolution He determines what he’d like a
as a tool for engineering. I molecule to do and uses specialized
like the notion that it’s not machines to speed up the evolution
evolutionary science, it’s of those molecules called “aptamers.”
evolution for application.
I’d like to deliver gene-disrupting
molecules to tumor cells.
SELECTION
ROBOT
The machine synthesizes billions of random DNA The aptamers are tested in a solution to see which
sequences, which are used to create RNA aptamers. ones bind best with the target.
Those aptamers that bind best are selected and This selection process is repeated again and
used to create a new population of aptamers. again until a perfect population of aptamers has
evolved to interact with the target.
THE ELLINGTON LAB
Directed evolution tech- They are learning science through
niques are being used to practice, and they’re getting con-
train students about the tacts to industry. They’re learning
importance of evolution relevant research and getting the
for biotechnology. opportunity to do translations or
applications themselves.
Students are becoming an increasingly
FRESHMEN RESEARCH
important part of Andy’s Work. INITIATIVE (FRI) LAB
focus on science 17
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