Purpose

The difference in the biology of plants unveils a need for new standards. We decided to write a Request for Comments (RFC) to unite the plant SynBio community by defining a common language for plant synthetic biology, extensible to all other Eukaryotes. Its syntax is based on the Golden Gate System¹ cloning method which uses TypeIIS restriction enzymes; variations, such as GB2.0² and MoClo³, are already being used across the field. This RFC brings together their common features and sets a consensus across the plant field for construct assembly and part repositories.

Marchantia polymorpha, a primitive liverwort, is being established as a new model organism for plant Synthetic Biology⁴; Contrary to historical model species, the choice of M. polymorpha has preceded its establishment. This is an opportunity to set standards in a coherent and united way paving the way for faster and more efficient sharing of information and parts.

The fewer the rules defining a standard, the more widely that standard is adopted. The introduction of this new chassis with its novel tool kit is the occasion to allow more flexibility in the Registry⁵, opening it to wider usage and contributions.

Thank you to the UEA and Valencia iGEM teams for their collaborations.

1. Engler C, Youles M, Gruetzner R, Ehnert T-M, Werner S, et al. (2014) A golden gate modular cloning toolbox for plants. ACS Synth Biol: doi:10.1021/sb4001504.
2. Sarrion-Perdigones A., Falconi E.E., Zandalinas S.I., Juarez P., Fernandez-del-Carmen A., Granell A., Orzaez D. GoldenBraid: an iterative cloning system for standardized assembly of reusable genetic modules. PLoS One 2011;6:e21622.
3. Weber E., Engler C., Gruetzner R., Werner S., Marillonnet S. A modular cloning system for standardized assembly of multigene constructs. PLoS One 2011;6:e16765.
4. http://synbio.org.uk/marchantia/
5. http://parts.igem.org/Main_Page

Rise of the Titles

Third part here