About this Research Topic

Background

The integration of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology marks a transformative era in the life sciences, offering a holistic view and innovative capabilities for understanding and manipulating biological systems. Systems biology approaches are used to comprehend the complexity of biological systems by examining the interactions within these systems, employing computational models and high-throughput technologies. Synthetic biology approaches further leverages this understanding to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems or re-design existing, natural biological systems for various applications. By combining the predictive power of Systems Biology with the constructive capabilities of Synthetic Biology, new biotechnologies and therapeutic strategies can be pioneered.

The advent of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) has further revolutionized and promoted integration across these fields, allowing for the handling and interpretation of vast, complex biological data. This integration is further enhanced by the incorporation of machine learning and artificial intelligence, which provide powerful tools that can identify patterns and make predictions based on large datasets. Network analysis adds another layer of understanding by elucidating the complex interactions and dependencies within biological systems facilitating the identification of key control points for intervention.

The aim of this collection is to explore the integration of systems and synthetic biology, emphasizing the role of computational tools like machine learning, AI, and network analysis in advancing our understanding and application of biological systems. By highlighting this integration, the collection seeks to present innovative strategies and methodologies that can drive forward the field of biotechnology and its applications in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Areas of interest can include but are not limited to studies at the interface of Systems and Synthetic biology relating to:
1. Computational Modeling and Multi-Omics: These tools are crucial for understanding microbiomes and other complex biological systems at both cellular and system levels. They enable the prediction and manipulation of biological functions, offering insights into the dynamic interactions within microbiomes and other ecosystems.
2. Machine Learning and AI in Biological Systems: The application of AI and machine learning in systems biology provides enhanced capabilities for data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling. These technologies facilitate the design and optimization of synthetic biological systems, improving efficiency and functionality.
3. Network Analysis for Biological Understanding: Network analysis helps elucidate the complex interactions within biological systems, identifying critical nodes and pathways that can be targeted for engineering. This approach is essential for understanding the systemic effects of genetic modifications and for designing robust synthetic organisms.
4. Integration with Microfluidics: The use of microfluidic platforms in synthetic biology allows for precise control and manipulation of biological processes at the microscale. This integration supports high-throughput screening and automation, accelerating the design-build-test-learn cycle in synthetic biology and cell engineering.
5. Metabolic Engineering and Pathway Optimization: This area explores the integration of systems and synthetic biology to enhance metabolic pathways for improved production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable biochemicals. By leveraging computational models and AI, researchers can predict and optimize metabolic fluxes, enabling the design of microorganisms with enhanced production capabilities. This approach not only improves yield and efficiency but also reduces the environmental impact of industrial processes.
6. Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications: As the integration of systems and synthetic biology advances, it is crucial to address the ethical, legal, and social implications of these technologies. This focus area examines the potential risks and benefits associated with engineering biological systems, including concerns about biosafety, biosecurity, and the equitable distribution of benefits. By fostering a dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public, this area aims to ensure responsible innovation and the development of frameworks that guide the ethical application of synthetic biology.

We invite submissions including Original Research Articles, Reviews, Perspectives, Opinion Pieces, Case Reports, Methodologies, Technology and Code, and Model and Data Descriptions that align with the goals and focus areas outlined above.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Systems Biology, Synthetic Biology, Computational Modeling, Multi-Omics, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Network Analysis, Microbiomes, Predictive Modeling, Data Analysis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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