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Rice Scientists Launch CLASSIC to Mass-Design and Predict Genetic Circuits

The Nature-published approach uses hybrid sequencing plus machine learning to link DNA designs to cell behavior.

Overview

  • CLASSIC enables the simultaneous creation and analysis of hundreds of thousands to millions of genetic circuit designs.
  • Long-read sequencing captures full circuit architectures while short-read sequencing provides precise barcoding to tag and track each design.
  • Engineered human embryonic kidney cells with fluorescence readouts were used to measure circuit activity and map sequence to function.
  • Machine-learning models trained on the large datasets accurately predicted performance for untested designs, with 40 of 40 manual checks matching.
  • Researchers say the platform could accelerate development of cell-based therapies and other synthetic biology applications.