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Towards an engineering theory of evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Simeon D. Castle

    (University of Bristol)

  • Claire S. Grierson

    (University of Bristol
    BrisSynBio, University of Bristol)

  • Thomas E. Gorochowski

    (University of Bristol
    BrisSynBio, University of Bristol)

Abstract

Biological technologies are fundamentally unlike any other because biology evolves. Bioengineering therefore requires novel design methodologies with evolution at their core. Knowledge about evolution is currently applied to the design of biosystems ad hoc. Unless we have an engineering theory of evolution, we will neither be able to meet evolution’s potential as an engineering tool, nor understand or limit its unintended consequences for our biological designs. Here, we propose the evotype as a helpful concept for engineering the evolutionary potential of biosystems, or other self-adaptive technologies, potentially beyond the realm of biology.

Suggested Citation

  • Simeon D. Castle & Claire S. Grierson & Thomas E. Gorochowski, 2021. "Towards an engineering theory of evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-23573-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23573-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Duncan Ingram & Guy-Bart Stan, 2023. "Modelling genetic stability in engineered cell populations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Rachapun Rotrattanadumrong & Yohei Yokobayashi, 2022. "Experimental exploration of a ribozyme neutral network using evolutionary algorithm and deep learning," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Andras Gyorgy, 2023. "Competition and evolutionary selection among core regulatory motifs in gene expression control," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.

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