title: Synthetic biology: advancing biological frontiers by building synthetic systems.
abstract: Advances in synthetic biology are contributing to diverse research areas, from basic biology to biomanufacturing and disease therapy. We discuss the theoretical foundation, applications, and potential of this emerging field.
authors.affiliation: Society of Fellows, Harvard University, 78 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
authors.forename: Yvonne Y
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Kate E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Galloway
authors.forename: Christina D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Smolke
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005813:Genes, Synthetic; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D006801:Humans; D053858:Metabolic Networks and Pathways / Q000235:genetics; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D058615:Synthetic Biology; D049490:Systems Biology