合成生物学的科学问题

Scientific questions for synthetic biology

合成生物学不仅推动了生物工程应用的革命性发展,也为生命科学基础研究带来了崭新机遇。该文提出了合成生物学目前的核心科学问题,一方面是解答生命功能跨层次涌现的原理,另一方面是基于涌现性原理解决生命系统的理性设计与构建这一瓶颈问题;总结了在合成生物学研究中,当功能涌现原理已知或未知时的不同研究范式,并讨论了合成生物学的定量研究方法,包括基于"定量表征+数理建模"的白箱模型与基于"自动化+人工智能"的黑箱模型。通过结合自上而下的工程研究范式与定量化、理论化的研究方法,定量合成生物学这一新领域将有望推动基础生命科学与合成生物学的双重变革。

Synthetic biology not only has revolutionized bioengineering,but also brings new opportunities to the basic research in life sciences.We propose that the key scientific questions for synthetic biology are to understand the principles underlying the emergence of life functions on one hand,and based on these principles,to rationally design and build synthetic living systems on the other hand.Here,we summarize three types of research paradigms and quantitative methodologies for synthetic biology,including white box modeling based on quantitative observations and biophysical models,and black box modeling based on automated data acquisition and artificial intelligence.Quantitative approaches will allow the predictable design of synthetic biological systems and provide a deeper understanding of life function emergence.Therefore,we envision that quantitative synthetic biology as an emerging young field will drive the next revolution in both synthetic biology and fundamental life sciences.