//Bioengineering and Proteins//
Bioengineering is a fascinating field that involves the understanding of the principles of biology at a foundational level and then creating tools and techniques to interact, support and perhaps even enhance. I came across an interesting read relating to biological networks. Researchers found that it’s possible to create synthetic biology circuits through the use of isolated proteins last year. When it comes to bio circuits, a rapid response system works through the multiple protein networks that are available in the body. Each protein network is unique and avoids interference between communication lines. Understanding how these proteins are able to avoid crosstalk was a major step to allow researchers to then begin building their own synthetic protein networks without interfering with others in the body. This is yet another example of uncovering the building blocks of the body and producing tools to support the body.
//Synthetic Network//
Synthetic protein networks can be very useful as their role can be dictated and they can be applied in a number of use cases. A possible utility to detect diseases by enabling the network to detect present microbes would allow accurate diagnosis of these ailments. Diagnosis is an important part of the medical field and even during this pandemic, the lack of accurate testing is causing huge issues. Beyond detection, reengineering proteins could also introduce new ways to combat cancers, especially those suffering from blood cancers. An extension of this was revisited over the past few months as scientists tried to explore possible solutions that would allow network-based drugs to tackle Human Coronavirus networks. The viral invasion of the coronavirus was observed to directly affect various protein networks in the body, damaging the body’s immune system.
//Network Drug Approach//
Neutralising coronavirus is still a while off but it’s clear the bioengineering has played a huge part in discovering approaches to either mitigate fatality or neutralise it altogether. A network based approach to fighting coronavirus gives great insight into the approaches that already exist to fight other diseases and share similar potential in dealing with coronavirus. Getting a network based approach once would also yield benefits in dealing with future viruses that emerge and existing ones that continue to spread with fatal consequence. With a number of vaccines entering their next stages of testing, time is needed to gauge their effectiveness along with safety. The future of bioengineering should be followed closely as it certainly holds the key to shaping the road of society ahead.
Sources
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-020-0153-3
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200717140738.htm
https://www.lifescience.net/news/2805/biologists-build-proteins-that-avoid-crosstalk-wit/
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