1
|
Zeng M, Sarker B, Rondthaler SN, Vu V, Andrews LB. Identifying LasR Quorum Sensors with Improved Signal Specificity by Mapping the Sequence-Function Landscape. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:568-589. [PMID: 38206199 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Programmable intercellular signaling using components of naturally occurring quorum sensing can allow for coordinated functions to be engineered in microbial consortia. LuxR-type transcriptional regulators are widely used for this purpose and are activated by homoserine lactone (HSL) signals. However, they often suffer from imperfect molecular discrimination of structurally similar HSLs, causing misregulation within engineered consortia containing multiple HSL signals. Here, we studied one such example, the regulator LasR from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We elucidated its sequence-function relationship for ligand specificity using targeted protein engineering and multiplexed high-throughput biosensor screening. A pooled combinatorial saturation mutagenesis library (9,486 LasR DNA sequences) was created by mutating six residues in LasR's β5 sheet with single, double, or triple amino acid substitutions. Sort-seq assays were performed in parallel using cognate and noncognate HSLs to quantify each corresponding sensor's response to each HSL signal, which identified hundreds of highly specific variants. Sensor variants identified were individually assayed and exhibited up to 60.6-fold (p = 0.0013) improved relative activation by the cognate signal compared to the wildtype. Interestingly, we uncovered prevalent mutational epistasis and previously unidentified residues contributing to signal specificity. The resulting sensors with negligible signal crosstalk could be broadly applied to engineer bacteria consortia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Biprodev Sarker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Stephen N Rondthaler
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Vanessa Vu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Lauren B Andrews
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zeng M, Sarker B, Howitz N, Shah I, Andrews LB. Synthetic Homoserine Lactone Sensors for Gram-Positive Bacillus subtilis Using LuxR-Type Regulators. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:282-299. [PMID: 38079538 PMCID: PMC10805106 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
A universal biochemical signal for bacterial cell-cell communication could facilitate programming dynamic responses in diverse bacterial consortia. However, the classical quorum sensing paradigm is that Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria generally communicate via homoserine lactones (HSLs) or oligopeptide molecular signals, respectively, to elicit population responses. Here, we create synthetic HSL sensors for Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis 168 using allosteric LuxR-type regulators (RpaR, LuxR, RhlR, and CinR) and synthetic promoters. Promoters were combinatorially designed from different sequence elements (-35, -16, -10, and transcriptional start regions). We quantified the effects of these combinatorial promoters on sensor activity and determined how regulator expression affects its activation, achieving up to 293-fold activation. Using the statistical design of experiments, we identified significant effects of promoter regions and pairwise interactions on sensor activity, which helped to understand the sequence-function relationships for synthetic promoter design. We present the first known set of functional HSL sensors (≥20-fold dynamic range) in B. subtilis for four different HSL chemical signals: p-coumaroyl-HSL, 3-oxohexanoyl-HSL, n-butyryl-HSL, and n-(3-hydroxytetradecanoyl)-HSL. This set of synthetic HSL sensors for a Gram-positive bacterium can pave the way for designable interspecies communication within microbial consortia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Biprodev Sarker
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Nathaniel Howitz
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ishita Shah
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular
and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University
of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Biotechnology
Training Program, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spangler JR, Cooper DN, Malanoski AP, Walper SA. Promoter Identification and Optimization for the Response of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 to the Gram-Negative Pathogen-Associated Molecule N-3-Oxododecanoyl Homoserine Lactone. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5111-5122. [PMID: 35708239 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) in bacteria has been well studied as a cellular communication phenomenon for decades. In recent years, such systems have been repurposed for the use of biosensors in both cellular and cell-free contexts as well as for inducible protein expression in nontraditional chassis organisms. Such biosensors are particularly intriguing when considering the association between the pathogenesis of some bacteria and their signaling intermediates. Considering this relationship and considering the recent demonstration of the species Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 as both a synthetic biology chassis and an organism capable of detecting a pathogen-associated QS molecule, we wanted to develop this organism as a QS sentinel. We used an approach combining techniques from both systems and synthetic biology to identify a number of native QS-response genes and to alter associated promoter activity to tune the output of L. plantarum cultures exposed to N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone. The resulting engineered QS sentinel reinforces the potential of modified lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for use in human-health-promoting applications and also demonstrates a simple rational workflow to engineer sentinel organisms to respond to any environmental or chemical stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Spangler
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, 4555 Overlook Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Denver N Cooper
- Spelman College, 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, United States
| | - Anthony P Malanoski
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, 4555 Overlook Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Scott A Walper
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, 4555 Overlook Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Polaske TJ, West KHJ, Zhao K, Widner DL, York JT, Blackwell HE. Chemical and biomolecular insights into the Staphylococcus aureus agr quorum sensing system: Current progress and ongoing challenges. Isr J Chem 2023; 63:e202200096. [PMID: 38765792 PMCID: PMC11101167 DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous bacterium that has become a major threat to human health due to its extensive toxin production and tremendous capacity for antibiotic resistance (e.g., MRSA "superbug" infections). Amid a worsening antibiotic resistance crisis, new strategies to combat this deadly microbe that remove the selective pressure of traditional approaches are in high demand. S. aureus utilizes an accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing network to monitor its local cellular population and trigger a devastating communal attack, like an invading horde, once a threshold cell density has been reached. The role of the agr system in a range of disease types is still being unraveled. Herein, we discuss the present-day biochemical understanding of agr along with unresolved details, describe its connection to the progression of infection, and review how chemical strategies have been implemented to study and intercept this signaling pathway. This research is illuminating the potential of agr as an anti-virulence target in S. aureus and should inform the study of similar, yet less studied, agr systems in related bacterial pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Polaske
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Korbin H. J. West
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Danielle L. Widner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Jordan T. York
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Helen E. Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu K, Tong Y, Li Y, Tao J, Rao S, Li J, Zhou J, Liu S. Autoinduction AND Gate Inhibits Cell Lysis to Enhance Protein Production in Bacillus subtilis Controlled by Population Density and Cell Physiological State. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:842-851. [PMID: 36881491 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular protease-deficient strain Bacillus subtilis WB600 is commonly used as a chassis cell for the production of industrial proteins. However, B. subtilis WB600 exhibits an increased susceptibility to cell lysis and a reduction in biomass. Inhibition of cell lysis by knocking out lytic genes will impair physiological function. Here, we dynamically inhibited cell lysis in B. subtilis WB600 to balance the impairment of physiological function with the accumulation of biomass. First, the inducible protein degradation systems (IPDSs) were constructed and used to investigate the effects of inhibiting cell lysis on biomass, cell morphology, and protein production at different times (using pullulanase as a test). The highest pullulanase activity was obtained at 20 h of inhibiting cell lysis, 184.8 U/mL, which was 44% higher than the activity of B. subtilis WB600. Then, to avoid addition of inducers, we introduced orthogonal quorum sensing and constructed autoinduction protein degradation systems (AIPDSs). The optimized AIPDS showed similar pullulanase activity to the optimal IPDS (20 h), 181.3 U/mL. Next, we constructed dual-signal input autoinduction protein degradation systems (DSI-AIPDSs) via AND gate to further address two deficiencies of AIPDS, one-time activation and damage to new cells. These DSI-AIPDSs were controlled by quorum sensing and stationary phase promoters that respond to population density and single-cell physiological state, respectively. Finally, the OD600 and pullulanase activity of the strain with optimal DSI-AIPDS were 51% and 115% higher than those of B. subtilis WB600 in pullulanase production, respectively. We provided a B. subtilis chassis strain with considerable potential for biomass accumulation and enhanced protein production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuidong Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Jiangsu Provisional Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yi Tong
- National Engineering Research Center for Corn Deep Processing, Jilin COFCO Biochemical Co. Ltd., Changchun 130033, China
| | - Yi Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Corn Deep Processing, Jilin COFCO Biochemical Co. Ltd., Changchun 130033, China
| | - Jin Tao
- National Engineering Research Center for Corn Deep Processing, Jilin COFCO Biochemical Co. Ltd., Changchun 130033, China
| | - Shengqi Rao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Jiangsu Provisional Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Song Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Juhas M. Communication Between Microorganisms. BRIEF LESSONS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023:27-41. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29544-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
|
7
|
Contreras-Ramos M, Mansell TJ. Leveraging quorum sensing to manipulate microbial dynamics. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
8
|
Abstract
Microorganisms live in dense and diverse communities, with interactions between cells guiding community development and phenotype. The ability to perturb specific intercellular interactions in space and time provides a powerful route to determining the critical interactions and design rules for microbial communities. Approaches using optogenetic tools to modulate these interactions offer promise, as light can be exquisitely controlled in space and time. We report new plasmids for rapid integration of an optogenetic system into Saccharomyces cerevisiae to engineer light control of expression of a gene of interest. In a proof-of-principle study, we demonstrate the ability to control a model cooperative interaction, namely, the expression of the enzyme invertase (SUC2) which allows S. cerevisiae to hydrolyze sucrose and utilize it as a carbon source. We demonstrate that the strength of this cooperative interaction can be tuned in space and time by modulating light intensity and through spatial control of illumination. Spatial control of light allows cooperators and cheaters to be spatially segregated, and we show that the interplay between cooperative and inhibitory interactions in space can lead to pattern formation. Our strategy can be applied to achieve spatiotemporal control of expression of a gene of interest in S. cerevisiae to perturb both intercellular and interspecies interactions. IMPORTANCE Recent advances in microbial ecology have highlighted the importance of intercellular interactions in controlling the development, composition, and resilience of microbial communities. In order to better understand the role of these interactions in governing community development, it is critical to be able to alter them in a controlled manner. Optogenetically controlled interactions offer advantages over static perturbations or chemically controlled interactions, as light can be manipulated in space and time and does not require the addition of nutrients or antibiotics. Here, we report a system for rapidly achieving light control of a gene of interest in the important model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae and demonstrate that by controlling expression of the enzyme invertase, we can control cooperative interactions. This approach will be useful for understanding intercellular and interspecies interactions in natural and synthetic microbial consortia containing S. cerevisiae and serves as a proof of principle for implementing this approach in other consortia.
Collapse
|
9
|
Moškon M, Komac R, Zimic N, Mraz M. Distributed biological computation: from oscillators, logic gates and switches to a multicellular processor and neural computing applications. Neural Comput Appl 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00521-021-05711-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
10
|
Burmeister A, Akhtar Q, Hollmann L, Tenhaef N, Hilgers F, Hogenkamp F, Sokolowsky S, Marienhagen J, Noack S, Kohlheyer D, Grünberger A. (Optochemical) Control of Synthetic Microbial Coculture Interactions on a Microcolony Level. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1308-1319. [PMID: 34075749 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic microbial cocultures carry enormous potential for applied biotechnology and are increasingly the subject of fundamental research. So far, most cocultures have been designed and characterized based on bulk cultivations without considering the potentially highly heterogeneous and diverse single-cell behavior. However, an in-depth understanding of cocultures including their interacting single cells is indispensable for the development of novel cultivation approaches and control of cocultures. We present the development, validation, and experimental characterization of an optochemically controllable bacterial coculture on a microcolony level consisting of two Corynebacterium glutamicum strains. Our coculture combines an l-lysine auxotrophic strain together with a l-lysine-producing variant carrying the genetically IPTG-mediated induction of l-lysine production. We implemented two control approaches utilizing IPTG as inducer molecule. First, unmodified IPTG was supplemented to the culture enabling a medium-based control of the production of l-lysine, which serves as the main interacting component. Second, optochemical control was successfully performed by utilizing photocaged IPTG activated by appropriate illumination. Both control strategies were validated studying cellular growth on a microcolony level. The novel microfluidic single-cell cultivation strategies applied in this work can serve as a blueprint to validate cellular control strategies of synthetic mono- and cocultures with single-cell resolution at defined environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Burmeister
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Multiscale Bioengineering, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Qiratt Akhtar
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Lina Hollmann
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Niklas Tenhaef
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Fabienne Hilgers
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Fabian Hogenkamp
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Sascha Sokolowsky
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jan Marienhagen
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan Noack
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Dietrich Kohlheyer
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Aachener Verfahrenstechnik (AVT-MSB), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kelly EE, Fischer AM, Collins CH. Drawing up a collaborative contract: Amino acid cross-feeding between interspecies bacterial pairs. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3138-3149. [PMID: 34027999 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic microbial communities have the potential to enable new platforms for bioproduction of biofuels and biopharmaceuticals. However, using engineered communities is often assumed to be difficult because of anticipated challenges in establishing and controlling community composition. Cross-feeding between microbial auxotrophs has the potential to facilitate coculture growth and stability through a mutualistic ecological interaction. We assessed cross-feeding between 13 Escherichia coli amino acid auxotrophs paired with a leucine auxotroph of Bacillus megaterium. We developed a minimal medium capable of supporting the growth of both bacteria and used the media to study coculture growth of the 13 interspecies pairs of auxotrophs in batch and continuous culture, as well as on semi-solid media. In batch culture, 8 of 13 pairs of auxotrophs were observed to grow in coculture. We developed a new metric to quantify the impact of cross-feeding on coculture growth. Six pairs also showed long-term stability in continuous culture, where coculture growth at different dilution rates highlighted differences in cross-feeding amongst the pairs. Finally, we found that cross-feeding-dependent growth on semi-solid media is highly stringent and enables identification of the most efficient pairs. These results demonstrate that cross-feeding is a viable approach for controlling community composition within diverse synthetic communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Kelly
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Alexandria M Fischer
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Department of Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia H Collins
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Department of Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Benítez-Chao DF, Balderas-Cisneros FDJ, León-Buitimea A, Morones-Ramírez JR. Design and in silico analysis of a whole-cell biosensor able to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2021; 69:1373-1382. [PMID: 34081352 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The rise of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections has gained concern throughout the world over the past decades. Alternative therapeutic agents to antibiotics are rapidly growing to impede the proliferation of MRSA-caused infections. Lately, synthetic biology techniques have developed whole-cell biosensors by designing gene circuitry capable of sensing quorum-sensing (QS) molecules of pathogens and triggering expression of an antimicrobial moiety that kills MRSA and therefore prevents its further proliferation. Here, an E. coli was engineered in silico to act as a whole-cell biosensor that senses QS molecules from MRSA and triggers the expression of a bacteriocin that kills MRSA. To achieve this functionality, biosensor and bacteriocin modules were constructed and assembled into a vector. Both modules were codon-optimized to increase the yield production of the recombinant proteins. We then demonstrate in silico that the construction of a dual biosensor-killer plasmid, which holds two genetical modules known as biosensor and bacteriocin modules, enables the recombinant host to sense QS molecules from MRSA. Our designed whole-cell biosensor demonstrates in silico its ability to produce and secrete the bacteriocin as a function of the external concentration of autoinducer peptide from MRSA. These in silico results unravel the possibility of designing antimicrobial smarter therapeutics against resistant pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Francisco Benítez-Chao
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - Francisco de Jesús Balderas-Cisneros
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - Angel León-Buitimea
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - José Rubén Morones-Ramírez
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kapoore RV, Padmaperuma G, Maneein S, Vaidyanathan S. Co-culturing microbial consortia: approaches for applications in biomanufacturing and bioprocessing. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:46-72. [PMID: 33980092 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1921691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The application of microbial co-cultures is now recognized in the fields of biotechnology, ecology, and medicine. Understanding the biological interactions that govern the association of microorganisms would shape the way in which artificial/synthetic co-cultures or consortia are developed. The ability to accurately predict and control cell-to-cell interactions fully would be a significant enabler in synthetic biology. Co-culturing method development holds the key to strategically engineer environments in which the co-cultured microorganism can be monitored. Various approaches have been employed which aim to emulate the natural environment and gain access to the untapped natural resources emerging from cross-talk between partners. Amongst these methods are the use of a communal liquid medium for growth, use of a solid-liquid interface, membrane separation, spatial separation, and use of microfluidics systems. Maximizing the information content of interactions monitored is one of the major challenges that needs to be addressed by these designs. This review critically evaluates the significance and drawbacks of the co-culturing approaches used to this day in biotechnological applications, relevant to biomanufacturing. It is recommended that experimental results for a co-cultured species should be validated with different co-culture approaches due to variations in interactions that could exist as a result of the culturing method selected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Vijay Kapoore
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Gloria Padmaperuma
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Supattra Maneein
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Pharmaceutical, Chemical & Environmental Sciences, The University of Greenwich, Kent, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Extracellular Metabolism Sets the Table for Microbial Cross-Feeding. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2021; 85:85/1/e00135-20. [PMID: 33441489 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00135-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The transfer of nutrients between cells, or cross-feeding, is a ubiquitous feature of microbial communities with emergent properties that influence our health and orchestrate global biogeochemical cycles. Cross-feeding inevitably involves the externalization of molecules. Some of these molecules directly serve as cross-fed nutrients, while others can facilitate cross-feeding. Altogether, externalized molecules that promote cross-feeding are diverse in structure, ranging from small molecules to macromolecules. The functions of these molecules are equally diverse, encompassing waste products, enzymes, toxins, signaling molecules, biofilm components, and nutrients of high value to most microbes, including the producer cell. As diverse as the externalized and transferred molecules are the cross-feeding relationships that can be derived from them. Many cross-feeding relationships can be summarized as cooperative but are also subject to exploitation. Even those relationships that appear to be cooperative exhibit some level of competition between partners. In this review, we summarize the major types of actively secreted, passively excreted, and directly transferred molecules that either form the basis of cross-feeding relationships or facilitate them. Drawing on examples from both natural and synthetic communities, we explore how the interplay between microbial physiology, environmental parameters, and the diverse functional attributes of extracellular molecules can influence cross-feeding dynamics. Though microbial cross-feeding interactions represent a burgeoning field of interest, we may have only begun to scratch the surface.
Collapse
|
15
|
Moškon M, Pušnik Ž, Zimic N, Mraz M. Field-programmable biological circuits and configurable (bio)logic blocks for distributed biological computing. Comput Biol Med 2020; 128:104109. [PMID: 33221638 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.104109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology applications often require engineered computing structures, which can be programmed to process the information in a given way. However, programming of these structures usually requires significant amount of trial-and-error genetic engineering. This process is to some degree analogous to the design of application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) in the domain of digital electronic circuits, which often require complex and time-consuming workflows to obtain a desired response. We describe a design of programmable biological circuits that can be configured without additional genetic engineering. Their configuration can be changed in vivo, i.e. during the execution of their biological program, simply with an introduction of programming inputs. These, e.g., increase the degradation rates of selected proteins that store the current configuration of the circuit. Programming can be thus performed in the field as in the case of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, which present an attractive alternative of ASICs in digital electronics. We describe a basic programmable unit, which we denote configurable (bio)logical block (CBLB) inspired by the architecture of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), basic functional units within the FPGA circuits. The design of a CBLB is based on distributed cellular computing modules, which makes its biological implementation easier to achieve. We establish a computational model of a CBLB and analyse its response with a given set of biologically feasible parameter values. Furthermore, we show that the proposed CBLB design exhibits correct behaviour for a vast range of kinetic parameter values, different population ratios, and as well preserves this response in stochastic simulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miha Moškon
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Žiga Pušnik
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nikolaj Zimic
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Mraz
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Loera-Muro A, Caamal-Chan MG, Castellanos T, Luna-Camargo A, Aguilar-Díaz T, Barraza A. Growth effects in oregano plants ( Origanum vulgare L.) assessment through inoculation of bacteria isolated from crop fields located on desert soils. Can J Microbiol 2020; 67:381-395. [PMID: 33136463 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2020-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria can establish beneficial interactions with plants by acting as growth promoters and enhancing stress tolerance during plant interactions. Likewise, bacteria can develop multispecies communities where multiple interactions are possible. In this work, we assessed the physiological effects of three bacteria isolated from an arid environment (Bacillus niacini, Bacillus megaterium, and Moraxella osloensis) applied as single species or as a consortium on oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) plants. Moreover, we assessed the quorum-sensing (QS) signaling activity to determine the molecular communication between plant-growth-promoting bacteria. The plant inoculation with B. megaterium showed a positive effect on morphometric and physiologic parameters. However, no synergistic effects were observed when a bacterial consortium was inoculated. Likewise, activation of QS signaling in biofilm assays was observed only for interspecies interaction within the Bacillus genus, not for either interaction with M. osloensis. These results suggest a neutral or antagonistic interaction for interspecific bacterial biofilm establishment, as well as for the interaction with oregano plants when bacteria were inoculated in a consortium. In conclusion, we were able to determine that the bacterial interactions are not always positive or synergistic, but they also might be neutral or antagonistic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Loera-Muro
- CONACYT - Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 195 Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, C.P. 23096, México
| | - María Goretty Caamal-Chan
- CONACYT - Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 195 Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, C.P. 23096, México
| | - Thelma Castellanos
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 195 Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, C.P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Angélica Luna-Camargo
- Instituto Tecnológico de La Paz, 4720 Boulevard Forjadores de Baja California Sur, 8 de Octubre 2da Secc, La Paz, Baja California Sur, C.P. 23080, Mexico
| | - Trinidad Aguilar-Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 195 Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, C.P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Aarón Barraza
- CONACYT - Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 195 Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, C.P. 23096, México
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Developing a pathway-independent and full-autonomous global resource allocation strategy to dynamically switching phenotypic states. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5521. [PMID: 33139748 PMCID: PMC7606477 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19432-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A grand challenge of biological chemical production is the competition between synthetic circuits and host genes for limited cellular resources. Quorum sensing (QS)-based dynamic pathway regulations provide a pathway-independent way to rebalance metabolic flux over the course of the fermentation. Most cases, however, these pathway-independent strategies only have capacity for a single QS circuit functional in one cell. Furthermore, current dynamic regulations mainly provide localized control of metabolic flux. Here, with the aid of engineering synthetic orthogonal quorum-related circuits and global mRNA decay, we report a pathway-independent dynamic resource allocation strategy, which allows us to independently controlling two different phenotypic states to globally redistribute cellular resources toward synthetic circuits. The strategy which could pathway-independently and globally self-regulate two desired cell phenotypes including growth and production phenotypes could totally eliminate the need for human supervision of the entire fermentation. A challenge for biological chemical production is the completion between synthetic circuits and host resources. Here the authors the authors use quorum sensing circuits and global mRNA decay to independently control two phenotypic states.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sha Y, Qiu Y, Zhu Y, Sun T, Luo Z, Gao J, Feng X, Li S, Xu H. CRISPRi-Based Dynamic Regulation of Hydrolase for the Synthesis of Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid with Variable Molecular Weights. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2450-2459. [PMID: 32794764 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a decomposable polymer and has been useful in various industries. The biological functions of γ-PGA are closely linked with its molecular weight (MW). In this study, we established an efficient method to produce variable MWs of γ-PGA from renewable biomass (Jerusalem artichoke) by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. First, a systematic engineering strategy was proposed in B. amyloliquefaciens to construct an optimal platform for γ-PGA overproduction, in which 24.95 g/L γ-PGA generation was attained. Second, 27.12 g/L γ-PGA with an MW of 20-30 kDa was obtained by introducing a γ-PGA hydrolase (pgdS) into the platform strain constructed above, which reveals a potential correlation between the expression level of pgdS and MW of γ-PGA. Then, a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats interference (CRISPRi) system was further designed to regulate pgdS expression levels, resulting in γ-PGA with variable MWs. Finally, a combinatorial approach based on three sgRNAs with different repression efficiencies was developed to achieve the dynamic regulation of pgdS and obtain tailor-made γ-PGA production in the MW range of 50-1400 kDa in one strain. This study illustrates a promising approach for the sustainable making of biopolymers with diverse molecular weights in one strain through the controllable expression of hydrolase using the CRISPRi system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Sha
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
| | - Yibin Qiu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Zhu
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
| | - Zhengshan Luo
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
| | - Jian Gao
- School of Marine and Bioengineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224051, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohai Feng
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
| | - Sha Li
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
| | - Hong Xu
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Stephens K, Bentley WE. Synthetic Biology for Manipulating Quorum Sensing in Microbial Consortia. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:633-643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
20
|
Wang S, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Quorum Sensing Communication: Molecularly Connecting Cells, Their Neighbors, and Even Devices. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2020; 11:447-468. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101519-124728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a molecular signaling modality that mediates molecular-based cell–cell communication. Prevalent in nature, QS networks provide bacteria with a method to gather information from the environment and make decisions based on the intel. With its ability to autonomously facilitate both inter- and intraspecies gene regulation, this process can be rewired to enable autonomously actuated, but molecularly programmed, genetic control. On the one hand, novel QS-based genetic circuits endow cells with smart functions that can be used in many fields of engineering, and on the other, repurposed QS circuitry promotes communication and aids in the development of synthetic microbial consortia. Furthermore, engineered QS systems can probe and intervene in interkingdom signaling between bacteria and their hosts. Lastly, QS is demonstrated to establish conversation with abiotic materials, especially by taking advantage of biological and even electronically induced assembly processes; such QS-incorporated biohybrid devices offer innovative ways to program cell behavior and biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Han L, Chen Q, Lin Q, Cheng J, Zhou L, Liu Z, Guo J, Zhang L, Cui W, Zhou Z. Realization of Robust and Precise Regulation of Gene Expression by Multiple Sigma Recognizable Artificial Promoters. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:92. [PMID: 32140461 PMCID: PMC7042180 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of gene expression is fundamental for tailor-made gene circuit design in synthetic biology. Current strategies for this type of development are mainly based on directed evolution beginning with a native promoter template. The performances of engineered promoters are usually limited by the growth phase because only one promoter is recognized by one type of sigma factor (σ). Here, we constructed multiple-σ recognizable artificial hybrid promoters (AHPs) composed of tandems of dual and triple natural minimal promoters (NMPs). These NMPs, which use σA, σH and σW, had stable functions in different growth phases. The functions of these NMPs resulted from an effect called transcription compensation, in which AHPs sequentially use one type of σ in the corresponding growth phase. The strength of the AHPs was influenced by the combinatorial order of each NMP and the length of the spacers between the NMPs. More importantly, the output of the precise regulation was achieved by equipping AHPs with synthetic ribosome binding sites and by redesigning them for induced systems. This strategy might offer promising applications to rationally design robust synthetic promoters in diverse chassis to spur the construction of more complex gene circuits, which will further the development of synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laichuang Han
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qiaoqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qiao Lin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jintao Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhongmei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Junling Guo
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Linpei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenjing Cui
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhemin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Spangler JR, Dean SN, Leary DH, Walper SA. Response of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 to the Gram-Negative Pathogen-Associated Quorum Sensing Molecule N-3-Oxododecanoyl Homoserine Lactone. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:715. [PMID: 31024494 PMCID: PMC6459948 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial quorum sensing phenomenon has been well studied since its discovery and has traditionally been considered to include signaling pathways recognized exclusively within either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. These groups of bacteria synthesize structurally distinct signaling molecules to mediate quorum sensing, where Gram-positive bacteria traditionally utilize small autoinducing peptides (AIPs) and Gram-negatives use small molecules such as acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs). The structural differences between the types of signaling molecules have historically implied a lack of cross-talk among Gram-positive and Gram-negative quorum sensing systems. Recent investigations, however, have demonstrated the ability for AIPs and AHLs to be produced by non-canonical organisms, implying quorum sensing systems may be more universally recognized than previously hypothesized. With that in mind, our interests were piqued by the organisms Lactobacillus plantarum, a Gram-positive commensal probiotic known to participate in AIP-mediated quorum sensing, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a characterized Gram-negative pathogen whose virulence is in part controlled by AHL-mediated quorum sensing. Both health-related organisms are known to inhabit the human gut in various instances, both are characterized to elicit distinct effects on host immunity, and some studies hint at the putative ability of L. plantarum to degrade AHLs produced by P. aeruginosa. We therefore wanted to determine if L. plantarum cultures would respond to the addition of N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3OC12) from P. aeruginosa by analyzing changes on both the transcriptome and proteome over time. Based on the observed upregulation of various two-component systems, response regulators, and native quorum sensing related genes, the resulting data provide evidence of an AHL recognition and response by L. plantarum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Spangler
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowships, NRC Research Associateship Programs, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Scott N. Dean
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowships, NRC Research Associateship Programs, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dagmar H. Leary
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Scott A. Walper
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
McCarty NS, Ledesma-Amaro R. Synthetic Biology Tools to Engineer Microbial Communities for Biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:181-197. [PMID: 30497870 PMCID: PMC6340809 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Microbial consortia have been used in biotechnology processes, including fermentation, waste treatment, and agriculture, for millennia. Today, synthetic biologists are increasingly engineering microbial consortia for diverse applications, including the bioproduction of medicines, biofuels, and biomaterials from inexpensive carbon sources. An improved understanding of natural microbial ecosystems, and the development of new tools to construct synthetic consortia and program their behaviors, will vastly expand the functions that can be performed by communities of interacting microorganisms. Here, we review recent advancements in synthetic biology tools and approaches to engineer synthetic microbial consortia, discuss ongoing and emerging efforts to apply consortia for various biotechnological applications, and suggest future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S. McCarty
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The ability of bacterial cells to adjust their gene expression program in response to environmental perturbation is often critical for their survival. Recent experimental advances allowing us to quantitatively record gene expression dynamics in single cells and in populations coupled with mathematical modeling enable mechanistic understanding on how these responses are shaped by the underlying regulatory networks. Here, we review how the combination of local and global factors affect dynamical responses of gene regulatory networks. Our goal is to discuss the general principles that allow extrapolation from a few model bacteria to less understood microbes. We emphasize that, in addition to well-studied effects of network architecture, network dynamics are shaped by global pleiotropic effects and cell physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Shis
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA;
| | - Matthew R Bennett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Oleg A Igoshin
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA.,Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The spatiotemporal system dynamics of acquired resistance in an engineered microecology. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16071. [PMID: 29167517 PMCID: PMC5700104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16176-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Great strides have been made in the understanding of complex networks; however, our understanding of natural microecologies is limited. Modelling of complex natural ecological systems has allowed for new findings, but these models typically ignore the constant evolution of species. Due to the complexity of natural systems, unanticipated interactions may lead to erroneous conclusions concerning the role of specific molecular components. To address this, we use a synthetic system to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of growth and to study acquired resistance in vivo. Our system differs from earlier synthetic systems in that it focuses on the evolution of a microecology from a killer-prey relationship to coexistence using two different non-motile Escherichia coli strains. Using empirical data, we developed the first ecological model emphasising the concept of the constant evolution of species, where the survival of the prey species is dependent on location (distance from the killer) or the evolution of resistance. Our simple model, when expanded to complex microecological association studies under varied spatial and nutrient backgrounds may help to understand the complex relationships between multiple species in intricate natural ecological networks. This type of microecological study has become increasingly important, especially with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Collapse
|
26
|
Silva KP, Chellamuthu P, Boedicker JQ. Signal Destruction Tunes the Zone of Activation in Spatially Distributed Signaling Networks. Biophys J 2017; 112:1037-1044. [PMID: 28297640 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse microbial communities coordinate group behaviors through signal exchange, such as the exchange of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) by Gram-negative bacteria. Cellular communication is prone to interference by neighboring microbes. One mechanism of interference is signal destruction through the production of an enzyme that cleaves the signaling molecule. Here we examine the ability of one such interference enzyme, AiiA, to modulate signal propagation in a spatially distributed system of bacteria. We have developed an experimental assay to measure signal transduction and implement a theoretical model of signaling dynamics to predict how the system responds to interference. We show that titration of an interfering strain into a signaling network tunes the spatial range of activation over the centimeter length scale, quantifying the robustness of the signaling network to signal destruction and demonstrating the ability to program systems-level responses of spatially heterogeneous cellular networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalinga Pavan Silva
- Department of Physics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Prithiviraj Chellamuthu
- Department of Physics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - James Q Boedicker
- Department of Physics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zargar A, Quan DN, Abutaleb N, Choi E, Terrell JL, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Constructing "quantized quorums" to guide emergent phenotypes through quorum quenching capsules. Biotechnol Bioeng 2016; 114:407-415. [PMID: 27543759 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Microbial cells have for many years been engineered to facilitate efficient production of biologics, chemicals, and other compounds. As the "metabolic" burden of synthetic genetic components can impair cell performance, microbial consortia are being developed to piece together specialized subpopulations that collectively produce desired products. Their use, however, has been limited by the inability to control their composition and function. One approach to leverage advantages of the division of labor within consortia is to link microbial subpopulations together through quorum sensing (QS) molecules. Previously, we directed the assembly of "quantized quorums," microbial subpopulations that are parsed through QS activation, by the exogenous addition of QS signal molecules to QS synthase mutants. In this work, we develop a more facile and general platform for creating "quantized quorums." Moreover, the methodology is not restricted to QS-mutant populations. We constructed quorum quenching capsules that partition QS-mediated phenotypes into discrete subpopulations. This compartmentalization guides QS subpopulations in a dose-dependent manner, parsing cell populations into activated or deactivated groups. The capsular "devices" consist of polyelectrolyte alginate-chitosan beads that encapsulate high-efficiency (HE) "controller cells" that, in turn, provide rapid uptake of the QS signal molecule AI-2 from culture fluids. In this methodology, instead of adding AI-2 to parse QS-mutants into subpopulations, we engineered cells to encapsulate them into compartments, and they serve to deplete AI-2 from wild-type populations. These encapsulated bacteria therefore, provide orthogonal control of population composition while allowing only minimal interaction with the product-producing cell population or consortia. We envision that compartmentalized control of QS should have applications in both metabolic engineering and human disease. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 407-415. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Zargar
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, Maryland 20742.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - David N Quan
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, Maryland 20742.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Nadia Abutaleb
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, Maryland 20742.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Erica Choi
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, Maryland 20742.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Jessica L Terrell
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, Maryland 20742.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, Maryland 20742.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, Maryland 20742.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Peng X“N, Gilmore SP, O’Malley MA. Microbial communities for bioprocessing: lessons learned from nature. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
29
|
Abstract
The power of a single engineered organism is limited by its capacity for genetic modification. To circumvent the constraints of any singular microbe, a new frontier in synthetic biology is emerging: synthetic ecology, or the engineering of microbial consortia. Here we develop communication systems for such consortia in an effort to allow for complex social behavior across different members of a community. We posit that such communities will outpace monocultures in their ability to perform complicated tasks if communication among and between members of the community is well regulated. Quorum sensing was identified as the most promising candidate for precise control of engineered microbial ecosystems, due to its large diversity and established utility in synthetic biology. Through promoter and protein modification, we engineered two quorum sensing systems (rpa and tra) to add to the extensively used lux and las systems. By testing the cross-talk between all systems, we thoroughly characterized many new inducible systems for versatile control of engineered communities. Furthermore, we've identified several system pairs that exhibit useful types of orthogonality. Most notably, the tra and rpa systems were shown to have neither signal crosstalk nor promoter crosstalk for each other, making them completely orthogonal in operation. Overall, by characterizing the interactions between all four systems and their components, these circuits should lend themselves to higher-level genetic circuitry for use in microbial consortia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer R. Scott
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jeff Hasty
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- BioCircuits Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Marchand N, Collins CH. Synthetic Quorum Sensing and Cell-Cell Communication in Gram-Positive Bacillus megaterium. ACS Synth Biol 2016. [PMID: 26203497 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.5b00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The components of natural quorum-sensing (QS) systems can be used to engineer synthetic communication systems that regulate gene expression in response to chemical signals. We have used the machinery from the peptide-based agr QS system from Staphylococcus aureus to engineer a synthetic QS system in Bacillus megaterium to enable autoinduction of a target gene at high cell densities. Growth and gene expression from these synthetic QS cells were characterized in both complex and minimal media. We also split the signal production and sensing components between two strains of B. megaterium to produce sender and receiver cells and characterized the resulting communication in liquid media and on semisolid agar. The system described in this work represents the first synthetic QS and cell-cell communication system that has been engineered to function in a Gram-positive host, and it has the potential to enable the generation of dynamic gene regulatory networks in B. megaterium and other Gram-positive organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Marchand
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, ‡Center for Biotechnology
and Interdisciplinary
Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Cynthia H. Collins
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, ‡Center for Biotechnology
and Interdisciplinary
Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Weber M, Buceta J. The cellular Ising model: a framework for phase transitions in multicellular environments. J R Soc Interface 2016; 13:20151092. [PMID: 27307510 PMCID: PMC4938077 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the Ising model, we introduce a gene regulatory network that induces a phase transition that coordinates robustly the behaviour of cell ensembles. The building blocks of the design are the so-called toggle switch interfaced with two quorum sensing modules, Las and Lux. We show that as a function of the transport rate of signalling molecules across the cell membrane the population undergoes a spontaneous symmetry breaking from cells individually switching their phenotypes to a global collective phenotypic organization. By characterizing the critical behaviour, we reveal some properties, such as phenotypic memory and hypersensitivity, with relevance in the field of synthetic biology. We argue that our results can be extrapolated to other multicellular systems and be a generic framework for collective decision-making processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Weber
- Parc Científic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Buceta
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering Program, Lehigh University, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang H, Wang X. Modular co-culture engineering, a new approach for metabolic engineering. Metab Eng 2016; 37:114-121. [PMID: 27242132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
With the development of metabolic engineering, employment of a selected microbial host for accommodation of a designed biosynthetic pathway to produce a target compound has achieved tremendous success in the past several decades. Yet, increasing requirements for sophisticated microbial biosynthesis call for establishment and application of more advanced metabolic engineering methodologies. Recently, important progress has been made towards employing more than one engineered microbial strains to constitute synthetic co-cultures and modularizing the biosynthetic labor between the co-culture members in order to improve bioproduction performance. This emerging approach, referred to as modular co-culture engineering in this review, presents a valuable opportunity for expanding the scope of the broad field of metabolic engineering. We highlight representative research accomplishments using this approach, especially those utilizing metabolic engineering tools for microbial co-culture manipulation. Key benefits and major challenges associated with modular co-culture engineering are also presented and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 98 Brett Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jia X, Liu C, Song H, Ding M, Du J, Ma Q, Yuan Y. Design, analysis and application of synthetic microbial consortia. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2016; 1:109-117. [PMID: 29062933 PMCID: PMC5640696 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of synthetic biology has conferred almost perfect modification on single cells, and provided methodological support for synthesizing microbial consortia, which have a much wider application potential than synthetic single cells. Co-cultivating multiple cell populations with rational strategies based on interacting relationships within natural microbial consortia provides theoretical as well as experimental support for the successful obtaining of synthetic microbial consortia, promoting it into extensive research on both industrial applications in plenty of areas and also better understanding of natural microbial consortia. According to their composition complexity, synthetic microbial consortia are summarized in three aspects in this review and are discussed in principles of design and construction, insights and methods for analysis, and applications in energy, healthcare, etc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hao Song
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mingzhu Ding
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jin Du
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yingjin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Engineering microbial consortia for controllable outputs. ISME JOURNAL 2016; 10:2077-84. [PMID: 26967105 PMCID: PMC4989317 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2016.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Much research has been invested into engineering microorganisms to perform desired biotransformations; nonetheless, these efforts frequently fall short of expected results due to the unforeseen effects of biofeedback regulation and functional incompatibility. In nature, metabolic function is compartmentalized into diverse organisms assembled into robust consortia, in which the division of labor is thought to lead to increased community efficiency and productivity. Here we consider whether and how consortia can be designed to perform bioprocesses of interest beyond the metabolic flexibility limitations of a single organism. Advances in post-genomic analysis of microbial consortia and application of high-resolution global measurements now offer the promise of systems-level understanding of how microbial consortia adapt to changes in environmental variables and inputs of carbon and energy. We argue that, when combined with appropriate modeling frameworks, systems-level knowledge can markedly improve our ability to predict the fate and functioning of consortia. Here we articulate our collective perspective on the current and future state of microbial community engineering and control while placing specific emphasis on ecological principles that promote control over community function and emergent properties.
Collapse
|
35
|
Chen Y, Kim JK, Hirning AJ, Josić K, Bennett MR. SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY. Emergent genetic oscillations in a synthetic microbial consortium. Science 2016; 349:986-9. [PMID: 26315440 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa3794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A challenge of synthetic biology is the creation of cooperative microbial systems that exhibit population-level behaviors. Such systems use cellular signaling mechanisms to regulate gene expression across multiple cell types. We describe the construction of a synthetic microbial consortium consisting of two distinct cell types—an "activator" strain and a "repressor" strain. These strains produced two orthogonal cell-signaling molecules that regulate gene expression within a synthetic circuit spanning both strains. The two strains generated emergent, population-level oscillations only when cultured together. Certain network topologies of the two-strain circuit were better at maintaining robust oscillations than others. The ability to program population-level dynamics through the genetic engineering of multiple cooperative strains points the way toward engineering complex synthetic tissues and organs with multiple cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Jae Kyoung Kim
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-701, Korea. Mathematical Biosciences Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrew J Hirning
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Krešimir Josić
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA. Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Matthew R Bennett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA. Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Better together: engineering and application of microbial symbioses. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2015; 36:40-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
37
|
Zargar A, Payne GF, Bentley WE. A 'bioproduction breadboard': programming, assembling, and actuating cellular networks. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2015; 36:154-60. [PMID: 26342587 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2015.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
With advances in synthetic biology and biofabrication, cellular networks can be functionalized and connected with unprecedented sophistication. We describe a platform for the creation of a 'bioproduction breadboard'. This would consist of physically isolated product-producing cell populations, product capture devices, and other unit operations that function as programmed in place, using unique, orthogonal inputs. For product synthesis, customized cell populations would be connected through standardized, generic inputs allowing 'plug and play' functionality and primary, user-mediated regulation. In addition, through autonomous pathway redirection and balancing, the cells themselves would provide secondary, self-directed regulation to optimize bioproduction. By leveraging specialization and division of labor, we envision diverse cell populations linked to create new pathway designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Zargar
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rational design of ‘controller cells’ to manipulate protein and phenotype expression. Metab Eng 2015; 30:61-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
39
|
Davis RM, Muller RY, Haynes KA. Can the natural diversity of quorum-sensing advance synthetic biology? Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 3:30. [PMID: 25806368 PMCID: PMC4354409 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum-sensing networks enable bacteria to sense and respond to chemical signals produced by neighboring bacteria. They are widespread: over 100 morphologically and genetically distinct species of eubacteria are known to use quorum sensing to control gene expression. This diversity suggests the potential to use natural protein variants to engineer parallel, input-specific, cell-cell communication pathways. However, only three distinct signaling pathways, Lux, Las, and Rhl, have been adapted for and broadly used in engineered systems. The paucity of unique quorum-sensing systems and their propensity for crosstalk limits the usefulness of our current quorum-sensing toolkit. This review discusses the need for more signaling pathways, roadblocks to using multiple pathways in parallel, and strategies for expanding the quorum-sensing toolbox for synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- René Michele Davis
- Ira A. Fulton School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University , Tempe, AZ , USA ; Biological Design Graduate Program, Arizona State University , Tempe, AZ , USA
| | - Ryan Yue Muller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University , Tempe, AZ , USA ; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University , Tempe, AZ , USA
| | - Karmella Ann Haynes
- Ira A. Fulton School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University , Tempe, AZ , USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Jagmann N, Philipp B. Reprint of Design of synthetic microbial communities for biotechnological production processes. J Biotechnol 2014; 192 Pt B:293-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
41
|
Enyeart PJ, Simpson ZB, Ellington AD. A microbial model of economic trading and comparative advantage. J Theor Biol 2014; 364:326-43. [PMID: 25265557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2014.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The economic theory of comparative advantage postulates that beneficial trading relationships can be arrived at by two self-interested entities producing the same goods as long as they have opposing relative efficiencies in producing those goods. The theory predicts that upon entering trade, in order to maximize consumption both entities will specialize in producing the good they can produce at higher efficiency, that the weaker entity will specialize more completely than the stronger entity, and that both will be able to consume more goods as a result of trade than either would be able to alone. We extend this theory to the realm of unicellular organisms by developing mathematical models of genetic circuits that allow trading of a common good (specifically, signaling molecules) required for growth in bacteria in order to demonstrate comparative advantage interactions. In Conception 1, the experimenter controls production rates via exogenous inducers, allowing exploration of the parameter space of specialization. In Conception 2, the circuits self-regulate via feedback mechanisms. Our models indicate that these genetic circuits can demonstrate comparative advantage, and that cooperation in such a manner is particularly favored under stringent external conditions and when the cost of production is not overly high. Further work could involve implementing the models in living bacteria and searching for naturally occurring cooperative relationships between bacteria that conform to the principles of comparative advantage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Enyeart
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Zachary B Simpson
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrew D Ellington
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Song H, Ding MZ, Jia XQ, Ma Q, Yuan YJ. Synthetic microbial consortia: from systematic analysis to construction and applications. Chem Soc Rev 2014; 43:6954-81. [PMID: 25017039 DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00114a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is an emerging research field that focuses on using rational engineering strategies to program biological systems, conferring on them new functions and behaviours. By developing genetic parts and devices based on transcriptional, translational, post-translational modules, many genetic circuits and metabolic pathways had been programmed in single cells. Extending engineering capabilities from single-cell behaviours to multicellular microbial consortia represents a new frontier of synthetic biology. Herein, we first reviewed binary interaction modes of microorganisms in microbial consortia and their underlying molecular mechanisms, which lay the foundation of programming cell-cell interactions in synthetic microbial consortia. Systems biology studies on cellular systems enable systematic understanding of diverse physiological processes of cells and their interactions, which in turn offer insights into the optimal design of synthetic consortia. Based on such fundamental understanding, a comprehensive array of synthetic microbial consortia constructed in the last decade were reviewed, including isogenic microbial communities programmed by quorum sensing-based cell-cell communications, sender-receiver microbial communities with one-way communications, and microbial ecosystems wired by two-way (bi-directional) communications. Furthermore, many applications including using synthetic microbial consortia for distributed bio-computations, chemicals and bioenergy production, medicine and human health, and environments were reviewed. Synergistic development of systems and synthetic biology will provide both a thorough understanding of naturally occurring microbial consortia and rational engineering of these complicated consortia for novel applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Song
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jagmann N, Philipp B. Design of synthetic microbial communities for biotechnological production processes. J Biotechnol 2014; 184:209-18. [PMID: 24943116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In their natural habitats microorganisms live in multi-species communities, in which the community members exhibit complex metabolic interactions. In contrast, biotechnological production processes catalyzed by microorganisms are usually carried out with single strains in pure cultures. A number of production processes, however, may be more efficiently catalyzed by the concerted action of microbial communities. This review will give an overview of organismic interactions between microbial cells and of biotechnological applications of microbial communities. It focuses on synthetic microbial communities that consist of microorganisms that have been genetically engineered. Design principles for such synthetic communities will be exemplified based on plausible scenarios for biotechnological production processes. These design principles comprise interspecific metabolic interactions via cross-feeding, regulation by interspecific signaling processes via metabolites and autoinducing signal molecules, and spatial structuring of synthetic microbial communities. In particular, the implementation of metabolic interdependencies, of positive feedback regulation and of inducible cell aggregation and biofilm formation will be outlined. Synthetic microbial communities constitute a viable extension of the biotechnological application of metabolically engineered single strains and enlarge the scope of microbial production processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Jagmann
- Universität Münster, Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Corrensstr. 3, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Bodo Philipp
- Universität Münster, Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Corrensstr. 3, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|