Lessons from molecular evolution: from origin of life to phage-based nanomaterials

An experimental model for the origin of life is based on the 'RNA World', in which catalytic RNA (ribozymes) performed the functions of a primitive cell. We study evolution of an RNA world systematically by mapping fitness landscapes (the sequence-activity relationship) for ribozymes, using in vitro selection and a massively parallel kinetic assay. I will present our work examining the effect of encapsulation inside protocells and the role of chance during RNA evolution.