Software Engineering Daily

Engineering an Open Source CRISPR with Aadyot Bhatnagar

Oct 22, 2024

32:57

Snipd AI

Aadyot Bhatnagar, an ML Scientist at Profluent Bio, discusses groundbreaking advancements in CRISPR technology, particularly the development of OpenCRISPR-1, an AI-generated protein. He explores the fascinating parallels between gene editing and software coding, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing protein design and gene editing practices. The conversation also dives into the interdisciplinary challenges faced in biotech, emphasizing the crucial collaboration between scientists and engineers. Bhatnagar shares insights on how AI is shaping the future of genetics.

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Quick takeaways

CRISPR technology enables precise gene editing akin to modifying computer code, significantly advancing treatments for genetic disorders and agriculture.

Profluent Bio's release of OpenCRISPR-1 as an open-source protein exemplifies a commitment to democratizing gene editing access and fostering collaboration.

Deep dives

Precision Gene Editing with CRISPR

CRISPR technology is revolutionizing biotechnology by allowing precise edits to genes, similar to editing computer code. This method enables researchers to modify DNA to address genetic disorders, enhance agricultural crops, and create new medical treatments. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 recognized its development, highlighting the significant advancements it presents in genetic science. As a testament to its impact, recent innovations like OpenCRISPR-1, an AI-generated protein, push the boundaries of what CRISPR can achieve in gene editing.

Intro

2min

AI-Driven Protein Design Innovations

14min

Versioning and Consistency in Model Training

2min

AI and Protein Innovation

8min

Proactive Integration of AI in Genetics and Machine Learning

3min

Navigating Interdisciplinary Challenges in Gene Editing Engineering

2min

Interdisciplinary Careers in AI and Biology at ProFluent

3min

CRISPR is a powerful tool in biotechnology that allows scientists to precisely edit genes, much like editing lines of code in a computer program. Just as developers can remove or alter specific parts of a code to fix bugs or enhance functionality, CRISPR enables researchers to modify DNA to correct genetic disorders, improve crops, or develop new treatments. The development of CRISPR-based editing was recognized by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna.

Profluent Bio is an AI-first protein design company that recently developed OpenCRISPR-1, which is an AI-generated, CRISPR-like protein that does not occur in nature. Importantly, the company also released the protein and nucleic acid sequences for OpenCRISPR-1.

Aadyot Bhatnagar is an ML Scientist at Profluent Bio and previously worked at Salesforce. He joins the podcast with Sean Falconer to talk about OpenCRISPR-1 and how it was made.

Sean’s been an academic, startup founder, and Googler. He has published works covering a wide range of topics from information visualization to quantum computing. Currently, Sean is Head of Marketing and Developer Relations at Skyflow and host of the podcast Partially Redacted, a podcast about privacy and security engineering. You can connect with Sean on Twitter @seanfalconer.