pyBrick-DNA: A Python-Based Environment for Automated Genetic Component Assembly

J Comput Biol. 2023 Dec;30(12):1315-1321. doi: 10.1089/cmb.2023.0008. Epub 2023 Nov 20.

Abstract

Genetic component assembly is key in the simulation and implementation of genetic circuits. Automating this process, thus accelerating prototyping, is a necessity. We present pyBrick-DNA, a software written in Python, that assembles components for the construction of genetic circuits. pyBrick-DNA (colab.pyBrick.com) is a user-friendly environment where scientists can select genetic sequences or input custom sequences to build genetic assemblies. All components are modularly fused to generate a ready-to-go single DNA fragment. It includes Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and plant gene-editing components. Hence, pyBrick-DNA can generate a functional CRISPR construct composed of a single-guided RNA integrated with Cas9, promoters, and terminator elements. The outcome is a DNA sequence, along with a graphical representation, composed of user-selected genetic parts, ready to be synthesized and cloned in vivo. Moreover, the sequence can be exported as a GenBank file allowing its use with other synthetic biology tools.

Keywords: CRISPR; GenBank; automation tool; genetic assembly; genetic components; synthetic biology.

MeSH terms

  • DNA* / genetics
  • Gene Editing*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Software

Substances

  • DNA