Generative Optogenetics (GO)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative concepts to design a protein complex that can be expressed in vivo and responds to optical signals to synthesize a corresponding DNA or RNA sequence. The program aims to develop a protein complex, referred to as a nucleic acid compiler (NAC), that can be expressed within living cells to allow an end user to program genetic instructions into those cells using nothing but light to transfer the genetic information. The acquisition process will proceed through a two-stage process, starting with written abstracts and followed by an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) at DARPA. Key aspects of the program include: • Developing a molecular machine that can be expressed in living cells and provide a mechanism for transducing genetic information transmitted masslessly via optical signals into nucleic acid sequences • Creating a direct interface between computers used to design genetic sequences and living cells that operate on those sequences • Enabling precise influence over cellular behavior by facilitating genetic programming with single-cell spatial resolution, temporal precision, and remote, scalable dissemination of genetic instructions • Addressing the high-risk challenge of developing a novel, open-ended genetic control platform that functions in vivo to accelerate the transmittal of genes to living systems.