ORNL scientists mutated amino acids in a receptor protein, shown in green, which diminished interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein, shown in red. Mutating the receptor protein hampered the virus’s ability to infect host cells. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
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Protein domain common to plants and animals plays role in COVID-19 infection
One of the proteins identified through a new ORNL-developed approach could be key to communications between poplar trees and beneficial microbes that can help boost poplar trees’ growth, carbon storage and climate resilience. Credit: Andy Sproles/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
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Plant, microbe matchmaking for better bioenergy crops
Samantha Peters co-designed and conducted experiments using ORNL’s high-performance mass spectrometry techniques to prove that bacteriophages deploy genetic code-switching to overwhelm and destroy host bacteria. Credit: Genevieve Martin, ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy
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Research team proves bacteria-killing viruses deploy genetic code-switching to deceive hosts

Biodesign and Systems Biology

Enabling rational design to drive innovation in biotechnology and benefit the environment

The Biodesign and Systems Biology Section characterizes and engineers biological responses and determines how rational or automated design can be used to drive innovation in biotechnology and the environment. Researchers explore and characterize the network of genes, proteins, metabolites, and environmental signals that lead to improved plant traits and performance. They integrate cellular, molecular, and genomic approaches to study microbes, communities, and their interaction with hosts and the environment. Scientists develop and apply principles and techniques for biosystems design in non-model organisms, biofuels crops, and associated biosystems to solve renewable energy and environmental challenges.

Contact

Timothy J Tschaplinski
Timothy J Tschaplinski
Section Head Biodesign & Systems Biology
tschaplinstj@ornl.gov