In order to modify enzymes to perform specific reactions and engineer new biological pathways, biologists must have a deep understanding of the relationship between gene sequences and the structures they encode. Digital World Biology LLC is partnering with SynBioBeta to help San Francisco Conference attendees visualize your favorite molecule and its salient features. Digital World Biology will be demonstrating how one can identify which parts of a protein are encoded by different exons, simple tools for determining if a drug might bind a selected target, and methods for comparing different versions of a protein to better understand the effects of a genetic change in Molecule World. We will also show how CRISPR / Cas9 targets DNA.Come with your questions and let’s explore!Sandra Porter and Todd Smith will be on hand at the event and you’ll be able to contact them through our event partnering app.

Image: This image shows the beta subunit of human hemoglobin as portrayed in Molecule World. Different coloring options are used to show which parts of the protein are encoded by different exons. The most common form of sickle cell anemia is associated with a genetic change that replaces a glutamic acid at position 6 with a valine. A recent paper in Nature described using CRISPR/Cas9 to correct this mutation.