Iterative plug-and-play methodology for constructing and modifying synthetic gene networks

Abstract

We present a methodology for the design, construction, and modification of synthetic gene networks. This method emphasizes post-assembly modification of constructs based on network behavior, thus facilitating iterative design strategies and rapid tuning and repurposing of gene networks. The ease of post-construction modifications afforded by this approach and the ever-increasing repository of components within the framework will help to fast-track the development of functional genetic circuits for synthetic biology.

Quorum-Sensing Crosstalk-Driven Synthetic Circuits: From Unimodality to Trimodality

“…Taken together, our studies not only showcase living cells’ amazing complexity and the difficulty in the refining of engineered biological systems, but also reveal an overlooked mechanism by which multimodality arises from the combination of an engineered gene circuit and host-circuit interactions (Ellis et al, 2009; Hussain et al, 2014; Litcofsky et al, 2012; Nevozhay et al, 2013; Prindle et al, 2014). …”

Programmable bacteria detect and record an environmental signal in the mammalian gut

“…Our ability to nondestructively interrogate the gut is limited. Recent synthetic biology efforts have yielded a number of genetic circuits that can sense and remember environmental stimuli (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). These synthetic circuits stand ready for practical applications and have begun to be used as such.…”

Synthetic biology platform technologies for antimicrobial applications

“…This system is modular, allowing for rapid plasmid construction, AMP screening, and AMP expression tuning. The platform's extensible design for testing new AMPs and its demonstrated efficacy in vivo highlight recent advancements in phage-based therapeutics and their potential for clinical applications [53,54].…”