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I develop computer models of cellular systems, specifically those concerned with bacterial metabolism, that allow for better understanding of mechanisms controlling production of desired chemicals. The goal of my research is to develop predictive models that specify genetic changes we can make to a host cell that lead to more efficient production of a target molecule. One application of metabolic models on which I focus is the production of specific kinds of proteins that are of value to the pharmaceutical industry, namely glycosylated proteins. All of the cells in our body produce these kinds of proteins which are modified by the attachment of complex branches of sugar molecules. Many proteins that have pharmaceutical value, for instance as cancer therapies, require this modification. Typically, cultures of mammalian cells have been used to produce these proteins. Using genetic tools, we can get bacteria to do this too, however their performance is not as strong. In order to address this shortcoming, I use a model-guided approach to design better bacterial hosts for glycosylated protein production. The techniques I use have similar application toward production of biofuels in microbial hosts from inexpensive, renewable sources of carbon. Ultimately, we would like to design organisms from the ground up, tailoring them to any specific need.
