Synthetic biology-inspired cell engineering in diagnosis, treatment, and drug development

Abstract

The fast-developing synthetic biology (SB) has provided many genetic tools to reprogram and engineer cells for improved performance, novel functions, and diverse applications. Such cell engineering resources can play a critical role in the research and development of novel therapeutics. However, there are certain limitations and challenges in applying genetically engineered cells in clinical practice. This literature review updates the recent advances in biomedical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, and drug development, of SB-inspired cell engineering. It describes technologies and relevant examples in a clinical and experimental setup that may significantly impact the biomedicine field. At last, this review concludes the results with future directions to optimize the performances of synthetic gene circuits to regulate the therapeutic activities of cell-based tools in specific diseases.

Integrating microfluidics and synthetic biology: advancements and diverse applications across organisms

“…The progress towards manipulating and editing mammalian cells has greatly progressed in the past few years such that we have the ability to program these cells to produce compounds like drugs, antibodies, and immunotherapies. 122 Due to the controllable environment that DMF provides and the ability to automate fluidic operations, this makes it an ideal platform for gene editing of mammalian cells. 123,124 Through engineering mammalian cells, we can advance therapies by integrating circuits into cells to treat diseases like cancer or autoimmune diseases.…”

Safety risks and ethical governance of biomedical applications of synthetic biology

“…Synthetic biology can further facilitate the technological transformation and upgrading of allergy detection products. For instance, an engineered mammalian cell detection system can be employed for allergy testing during new drug development ( Zhao et al, 2023 ). The efficiency of new drug development can be significantly enhanced by conducting high-throughput screening of blood samples from high-risk allergy patients.…”

Investigation on Adaptability and Applicability of Polymer-Mediated Cell Surface Engineering by Ligation with Transglutaminase

“…Typically, this is achieved by altering the cell surface through the addition or removal of a signaling probe or bioactive components usually in the form of proteins, synthetic polymers, or small molecules. Cell surface engineering (CSE) has important implications for drug development via disease modeling, diagnosis, and treatment. − Cell surface modification can be applied at a single cell level for basic research applications , but also for complex tissue constructs for modeling, such as in cancers and complex tissues, − or for therapies such as organ and tissue printing. − CSE can be used to impart functions such as cell protection, attachment, and fusion to cells for specialized cell expansion and tissue construction. , In therapeutic approaches, molecules like antibodies, polymers, proteins, and peptides have been effectively conjugated to cell surfaces for applications in immunoevasion, , delivery of drug payload, , and homing. ,, Alternatively, encapsulating therapeutic cells in polymeric materials to overcome immune recognition, protecting antigens on red blood cells, and inhibiting instant blood-mediated inflammation reactions were also previously explored. Manipulation of the cell surface, when applied properly, can improve current research techniques, help enhance efficacies of therapies, and reduce unwanted side effects.…”