Sogang University Professor Joins International Initiative to Build Synthetic Cells

Professor Shin Kwan-woo of Sogang University's Chemistry Department has joined the 'SynCell Asia Initiative,' an international collaborative effort focused on creating synthetic cells. His involvement was highlighted in a recent article in the prestigious journal *Nature Biotechnology*, co-authored by researchers from the initiative.

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A framework for building a synthetic cell from the SynCell Asia Initiative

The SynCell Asia Initiative brings together over 100 research groups from key Asian countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. Their ambitious vision is to engineer synthetic cells that function similarly to living cells within the next ten years. The proposed strategy involves developing core functional modules using an AI-driven biofoundry and integrating them at a system level to overcome the complex challenge of spatiotemporal organization.

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To build a living cell from scratch, we must overcome the long-standing challenge of spatiotemporal integration of core functional modules.

Professor Shin's specific role within the initiative centers on crucial aspects of synthetic cell construction. He will lead research concerning the cell membrane, the fundamental structure of cells, and the synthesis of membrane proteins, which are notoriously difficult to replicate in artificial systems. Leveraging his extensive experience in cell membrane interfaces and cell-free protein expression technologies, Shin aims to pioneer the development of core technologies for creating functional synthetic cells.

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Synthetic cells are more than just biomimetic technology; they are a next-generation platform that can revolutionize future biopharmaceuticals, environment, energy, and life systems understanding.

Sogang University's Bio-interface Research Center also plays a key role as a research hub, connecting synthetic cell researchers from South Korea, China, and Japan through the Korea-China-Japan A3 Foresight Program. This program fosters long-term collaboration and promotes joint research in synthetic cells and synthetic biology. Professor Shin expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Synthetic cells are more than just biomimetic technology; they are a next-generation platform that can revolutionize future biopharmaceuticals, environment, energy, and life systems understanding. Through close collaboration with Asian researchers, we will lead world-class synthetic cell research."

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Through close collaboration with Asian researchers, we will lead world-class synthetic cell research.