Simeon D. Castle

Aug 30, 2024 | biorxiv.org | Simeon D. Castle |Adrian Woolfson |Blake T. Riley |Gregory Linshiz

AbstractDNA polymerases are complex molecular machines able to replicate genetic material using a template-driven process. While the copying function of these enzymes is well established, their ability to perform untemplated DNA synthesis is less well characterized. Here, we explore the ability of DNA polymerases to synthesize DNA fragments in the absence of template.

Apr 29, 2024 | nature.com | Simeon D. Castle |Michiel Stock |Thomas E Gorochowski

AbstractCareful consideration of how we approach design is crucial to all areas of biotechnology. However, choosing or developing an effective design methodology is not always easy as biology, unlike most areas of engineering, is able to adapt and evolve. Here, we put forward that design and evolution follow a similar cyclic process and therefore all design methods, including traditional design, directed evolution, and even random trial and error, exist within an evolutionary design spectrum.