Plant Synthetic Biology
Our lab develops methods in plant synthetic genomics, with a focus on chloroplast engineering in land plants. We design chloroplast genomes for programmable polymer synthesis, cross-species compatibility, and biocontainment, and pursue broader technology development in plant synthetic biology and genomics.
Daniel Dunkelmanns research group at MPI-MP focuses on method development in plant synthetic genomics, operating at the interface of computational, molecular, synthetic, and plant biology. Our research aims to construct synthetic genomes, with an initial focus on the chloroplast genome, incorporating redesigned genetic codes that enable the biosynthesis of artificial polymers and establish genetic isolation of synthetic genes within plants. In parallel, we investigate the design principles of chloroplast genomes in Solanaceous species, with the long-term goal of engineering a genome that is functional across multiple host plants, including tobacco, potato, and tomato.
Expanding and reprogramming the genetic code of chloroplasts
Genetic code expansion and reprogramming have transformed prokaryotic and mammalian biology, but have seen limited application in plants. We will use whole-genome synthesis and molecular engineering to enable artificial polymer synthesis in plants and to write chloroplast genomes that are genetically isolated and fully biocontained.
Automating the toolbox for chloroplast genetic engineering
Progress in chloroplast synthetic biology is limited by low-throughput experimentation and the absence of predictive modelling. We aim to develop data-driven modelling frameworks to guide the rational design of regulatory elements and enable systematic engineering of chloroplasts.
Engineering cross-species compatibility of chloroplast genomes
We aim to decipher chloroplast design principles to construct universal genomes functional across diverse land plants. In parallel, we will develop methodologies for cross-species chloroplast transfer.
