Kerstin Göpfrich
Heidelberg University, Germany
”Our group’s research aims at the design of a genetically encodable fully synthetic RNA-based machinery for synthetic cells that we express and evolve in lipid vesicles. In particular, we develop computational tools for co-transcriptional RNA origami design (https://pyfurnace.de/), validate structures with cryoEM and AFM and express multiple genes in vesicles. We develop pipelines for fully automated image-based selection of synthetic cells by targeted photopolymerization for directed evolution assays. While we follow a blue-skies vision, we closely collaborate with immunologists to clinically validate new types of RNA therapeutics and synthetic immune effectors based on the modules developed for synthetic cells.”
”Within SynCell-nExUs, we are particularly looking for postdocs with experience in (i) directed evolution, (ii) cryoEM or (iii) ribozyme catalysis. With this, they will contribute to develop pipelines towards evolution of RNA nanostructures and synthetic cells for functional improvements (i), the design and validation of complex switchable out-of-equilibrium RNA origami nanomachines (ii) and the development of entirely new functional modules based on catalytically active RNA nanostructures (iii). Experience with RNA nanotechnology or vesicle reconstitution is a plus.”
For more information, visit the Goepfrichgroup.
| Main area(s) | Sub-area(s) |
|---|---|
| Enabling technologies for synthetic cells | DNA origami-based modules for synthetic cells RNA origami-based modules for synthetic cells Artificial ribozymes Phospholipid-based Synthetic Cells Condensate-based Synthetic Cells Directed evolution in synthetic compartments |