After the shock of losing his research wore off, Jack started to think about his future. He was determined not to give up on his goal of a cure for virus infections. But he would have to redirect his efforts into something like software design and simulation, something he could afford since he no longer had access to a well-stocked biology lab. He could do a few simple DIY tests on his synthetic biology constructs but most of the in-depth lab work and testing would be done by others, he hoped.
Jack felt confident his virus detection circuit would have worked. So, his first step would be to program and simulate such a circuit using standard synthetic biology components.
Next, he would pursue an idea that had occurred to him about how to stop a viral infection. He knew that one way the human body responded to a virus was by generating antibodies that mimicked cellular receptors and would bind to the virus-associated protein (VAP) of the virion (a viral package before cell infection). With all its binding sites occupied the virion was effectively prevented from anchoring itself to a cell and causing infection.
Jack believed he could do something similar by creating what he called blocking molecules. These would mimic the cellular receptors and attach themselves to a virion's VAPs and neutralize the virus.
Once his virus detector identified the virus-associated protein he would use genetic tools to assemble DNA snippets into blocking molecules for that VAP. The current strategy of developing such molecules was quite expensive because of its trial-and-error aspects. Jack hoped that his design-oriented approach would reduce the cost significantly.
The delivery vehicle to get his virus neutralizers into the human body would be similar to the branching molecules called dendrimers. These were symmetrical three-dimensional self-assembling molecules. They currently served as excellent spherical 'cages' to deliver RNA and DNA into cells. Jack reasoned he could build upon the software that he had written for the design of three-dimensional integrated circuits to build his dendrimer inspired delivery cages, d-cages, as he came to call them.
Finally, he would use the techniques of ANI available as a package through one of the cloud providers to make the software smart. The ANI would be able to help researchers set up and interpret the software solutions. Once trained it would also be able to offer ideas for further investigation to the researchers.
All he needed was access to a synthetic biology component database, an ANI cloud provider, and support for publishing his software, and Jack thought he knew someone who could help.
He called Phylicia and told her what he needed. As expected, she had a contact in the IT department at the university, give her a few minutes she said and she would find out what resources were available. She hung up.
A few minutes later Jack’s Annie announced a caller. “Hi Jack, this is Phylicia, here is what I have found. My friend tells me we could use the university’s 'Open Access Program' to request the use of university computer resources. The program is ostensibly a public outreach program that was designed to encourage high school students with their science projects but there have been cases where others were also allowed into the program. My friend assures me that your request is a proper fit for the program's objectives. She will put in the necessary paperwork and let us know when it’s available.”
“Wow, that is great Phylicia, you really came through. I think that deserves at least a dinner, what do you say?”
“Well, I didn’t do it for a reward, but a dinner would be nice, thanks.”
“Okay, I’ll call you soon, thanks again.”
“Um, okay Jack, bye.”
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