PLENARY SESSION III 

3:30 Designer Gene Networks
Dr. James J. Collins, University Professor, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Co-Director, Center for BioDynamics, Boston University
Many fundamental cellular processes are governed by genetic programs which employ protein-DNA interactions in regulating function. Owing
to recent technological advances, it is now possible to design synthetic gene regulatory networks, and the stage is set for the notion of engineered cellular control at the DNA level.  Theoretically, the biochemistry of the feedback loops associated with protein-DNA interactions often leads to nonlinear equations, and the tools of nonlinear analysis become invaluable. In this talk, we describe how techniques from nonlinear dynamics and molecular biology can be utilized to model, design and construct synthetic gene regulatory networks. We present examples in which we integrate the development of a theoretical model with the construction of an experimental system. We also discuss the implications of synthetic gene regulatory networks for gene therapy, biotechnology, biocomputing
and nanotechnology.

4:00 Biomedical Nanotechnology: From Nanoprobes in Molecular Imaging to Nanoscaffolds in Tissue Engineering:
Dr. Shuming Nie
The integration of nanotechnology with biology and medicine is expected to produce major advances in molecular diagnostics, therapeutics, molecular biology, and bioengineering. Recent advances have led to the development of functional (electronic, optical, magnetic, or structural) nanoparticles that are covalently linked to biological molecules such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. Due to their size-dependent properties and dimensional similarities to biomacromolecules, these biomolecular nanoconjugates are well suited as contrast agents for in-vivo optical and magnetic resonance imaging, as smart carriers for drug delivery, and as structural scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this talk, we will discuss the development and applications of three types of nanomaterials: (a) metal and metal oxide nanoparticles for molecular imaging and sensing, (b) luminescent semiconductor quantum dots for multiplexed molecular profiling of cancer cells and clinical tissue speciments, and (c) nanostructured biomaterials for targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering. In addition, we will report the development of optically encoded micro- and nanobeads for massively parallel and high-throughput analysis of biological molecules. This encoded bead technology is based on the novel optical properties of quantum dots and our abilities to incorporate multicolor quantum dots into small polymer beads at precisely controlled ratios. This spectral coding technology is expected to open new opportunities in gene expression studies, highthroughput screening, and medical diagnostics.

4:30 Strategies for Implanted Continuous Glucose Sensors
David Gough, Ph.D., Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego
There has long been an interest in the development of improved methods of blood glucose determination in diabetes. There is a need for a sensor that is highly reliable, continuous or near-continuous, capable of automatic function to warn of hypoglycemia independent of user initiative, long-lived, convenient, and acceptable to users. An enzyme electrode sensor we developed previously based on immobilized glucose oxidase meets many of these requirements. A central venous version of the sensor was implanted with a telemetry system for over 100 days in dogs and functioned without the need for recalibration and a similar version has functioned for long periods in adult humans. An alternative sensor is being developed for implantation in tissues for use in children. Issues of implant site-specific sensor design, sensor fabrication, sensor validation, and sensor performance goals will be reviewed.

5:00 Poster Award Ceremony

5:30 Close of Conference