Generative Optogenetics (GO)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative concepts to design a protein complex that can be expressed in vivo (i.e., in a living cell) and responds to optical signals to synthesize a corresponding DNA or RNA sequence. This technology should enable massless transfer of genetic information to cells expressing the protein complex via a template-free mechanism that incorporates nucleotide bases in response to specific optical signals (e.g., different wavelengths of light).

The GO program is focused on two main Research Objectives (ROs): (1) achieving the core capability of synthesizing DNA/RNA directly in living cells using optical signals, and (2) developing error mitigation methods that ensure high-fidelity nucleic acid synthesis. The acquisition process for GO will proceed through a two-stage process, starting with (1) written abstracts which will inform invitations to brief (2) an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) at DARPA.