SynCell-nExUs Supervisors

”I am head of the Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology at the National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia. My research focuses on de novo protein design, synthetic biology, and engineering of programmable protein systems. We pioneered modular coiled-coil–based protein origami, designed protein logic circuits, engineered biomolecular condensates, and developed controllable protein switches for regulating cellular functions. Our laboratory combines computational protein design, structural biology, molecular engineering, and mammalian synthetic biology to create programmable biological systems. More recently, we integrate ML–guided protein design with experimental validation to develop novel functional proteins and synthetic biological components.”

”Within this project, our group develops applications of machine learning–guided protein design strategies to generate functional protein modules for synthetic cells. We combine state-of-the-art generative AI models, structure prediction, and experimental screening to design proteins with programmable interactions, catalytic activities, membrane association, and regulatory functions. These proteins will serve as modular building blocks for synthetic systems capable of sensing, computation, compartmentalization, and controlled molecular assembly. Our expertise in de novo protein engineering, synthetic signaling networks, and programmable protein assemblies enables the development of components that expand the functional repertoire of synthetic cells and support their application in other areas.”

For more information, visit the Department’s website.