The DUT-China team from Dalian University of Technology (DUT) has secured a gold medal at the 2025 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition, one of the most prestigious events in the field of synthetic biology. The global finals were recently held in Paris, France.
The team stood out among 413 entries from over 50 countries and regions worldwide, showcasing exceptional innovation and research in synthetic biology.
iGEM is a top-tier international academic competition that challenges students to apply engineering principles to design and build biological systems, addressing real-world problems. This year’s DUT-China team, led by the School of Bioengineering, consisted of undergraduate students from multiple disciplines across the university.
Their award-winning project, titled “R-Home: mRNA Hepatic Optimized Modules for Liver Cancer,” introduced an integrated mRNA platform designed for precise treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The system employs a multi-layered targeting strategy to achieve dual-protein regulation in liver cancer cells.
A key innovation is the incorporation of an miRNA-responsive RNA switch, activated by miR-21, which is highly expressed in liver cancer cells. This is combined with a glypican-3 (GPC3) antibody-modified lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system to ensure precise targeting.
Additionally, the team developed a eukaryotic Toehold switch system to generate and optimize integrated 5' UTR sequences, a spatial pharmacokinetic model tailored to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, and a self-designed dual-channel microfluidic injection pump. These components highlight the project’s high degree of originality and technical sophistication.
The success of the DUT-China team at iGEM 2025 underscores Dalian University of Technology’s strength in interdisciplinary education and cutting-edge research, reinforcing its growing influence in global scientific innovation.
About iGEM
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition is the leading global event in synthetic biology, engaging students and researchers in developing biological solutions to pressing global challenges through collaboration and creativity.
