Natural Science Foundation Guide Guide to the application category of original exploration program project "Future Biotechnology" project

The progress of life science depends on the innovation of research techniques and methods. At present, life science research is undergoing the transformation of "multi-disciplinary convergence" research paradigm characterized by systematization, quantification and engineering, and is realizing the leap from "interpreting life" to "designing and creating life". In the field of biotechnology research that needs to be strengthened in the development of life science, the Life Science Department of the National Natural Science Foundation of China plans to set up a special project on "Future Biotechnology" to guide researchers to focus on cutting-edge technologies in life science research (hereinafter referred to as the original project). It provides new technical methods for understanding life and analyzing life phenomena, and provides more technical support for improving people's life and health.

First, scientific objectives

Develop technologies and means for the reading, transformation, synthesis, bionics and regeneration of living bodies, broaden the application scenarios of biotechnology, promote the integration of multiple disciplines, promote the change of life science research paradigm, and provide theoretical reserves and technical support for the strategic task of serving the "four aspects" of basic research.

2. Proposed research direction

With the above scientific objectives, it is proposed to fund the following research:

(1) New principles, new methods and new technologies for the observation of life phenomena

Through new research paradigms and technologies, the bottleneck of measurement technologies such as imaging and sequencing is broken, and high-precision, multi-dimensional, cross-scale, ultra-sensitive and high-throughput observations of life processes are realized. Funding directions include but are not limited to: Bioimaging that breaks the limits of current spatial and temporal resolution, multi-imaging modal integration, marker-free bioimaging, cross-scale imaging modal fusion, spatial multidimensional omics, single-cell multidimensional, subcellular structure multidimensional, chromatin multidimensional regulatory omics, single molecule imaging, live cell super-resolution imaging, Multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging, multi-dimensional imaging. In situ analysis of the structure of biological macromolecules, labeling and tracing of living cells and living substances and information, and ultra-sensitive, high-throughput, rapid monitoring of living substances and environmental molecules.

2. Rational design and engineering construction technology of life system

To meet the needs of rational design and engineering construction of life system, research on enabling technology is carried out. Research and develop new technologies and methods that can achieve accurate editing, design and manipulation of biomolecules, and conduct in-depth research on their technical principles. Funding directions include but are not limited to: Research on new methods and new technologies for efficient genetic transformation of non-model species and organelles, new technologies and new applications for editing and manipulating DNA and RNA, new technologies for design, synthesis and manipulation of macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and new heterozygous molecules (such as the hybridization of small molecular compounds), and new technologies for digital design of biological traits.

Original research focused on the rational (predictable) design, synthesis and creation of living systems around major fundamental science issues in the life sciences and major national needs in related fields such as life and health. Funding directions include but are not limited to: design and construction of efficient carbon sink artificial biological systems, design and construction of intelligent microorganisms, engineering biology research of immune cells, and rational design and construction research of other biological systems (including organelles, cells, multicellular systems, non-cellular systems, etc.).

3. Quantitative analysis and calculation technology of life data

In view of the continuous accumulation of multidimensional biological big data, research and development of new algorithms and new technologies for data processing and analysis, to achieve an engineered system with independent intellectual property rights, promote the construction of shared technology platforms and user environments, and provide new models and new mechanisms that can be verified experimentally. Funding directions include but are not limited to: standardized collection and safe sharing technology of multi-dimensional and cross-scale biological data, biological storage and computing technology of digital information, accurate labeling, quantitative processing, computational analysis and modeling and simulation of big data related to brain and cognitive science, brain-like intelligence research, and deep application of new artificial intelligence technology in the field of life science.