DNA simulation for Synthetic Genomics

The development of synthetic genomics technologies is an emerging field essential in life science and healthcare, including immunotherapy treatments or gene therapies for previously incurable diseases. Controlled synthesis of the genetic "code" has also diverse applications in life-science nanomaterial and biotech research. Combining AI-based technologies with state-of-the-art DNA synthesis and simulation, synthetic DNA can be tailored for specific purposes. Realization of these prospects is the main aim of the Carl-Zeiss Foundation Center for “Synthetic Genomics – writing the code of life” (CZS-Center SynGen).

This VirtMat project within SynGen focuses on modeling the structure and properties of DNA and chromatin using scale-bridging computational approaches, synthetic genomics by in-silico genome analysis, engineering and structuring using multiscale models and ML/AI methods, as well as DNA interactions with other molecules. The overarching aim is the development of a virtual pipeline for analysis and simulation of DNA that can help guide the synthesis of functional DNA sequences, as well as the understanding of DNA organization, interactions with other molecules, and applications in novel DNA-containing materials for nanomaterial technologies.