Controlling Cellular Machinery - Diagnostics and Therapeutics

DARPA is soliciting research proposals for the development of synthetic regulatory genetic elements that can be used in mammalian cells. The proposed research should comprise approaches that enable fundamental advances to the development and broad application of synthetic regulatory elements for in vivo biomedical applications to detect, treat, or prevent disease. Technical challenges that need to be addressed include, but are not limited to, discovery, characterization, evolution or design, and demonstration of orthogonal and modular genetic regulatory elements; construct stability and function in the cell; and synthesis, amplification, and delivery of novel circuits in mammalian cells. The designed modules must limit specific interactions with the cellular metabolism or milieu to the desired performance characteristics and demonstrate maintenance of independent function without interference long enough to achieve the intended clinical effect. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. Proposers that intend to pursue nucleic acid vaccines as an application are referred to the companion announcement, Controlling Cellular Machinery - Vaccines, DARPA-BAA-11-22.