1
|
Cao W, Huang C, Zhou X, Zhou S, Deng Y. Engineering two-component systems for advanced biosensing: From architecture to applications in biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 75:108404. [PMID: 39002783 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108404] [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] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Two-component systems (TCSs) are prevalent signaling pathways in bacteria. These systems mediate phosphotransfer between histidine kinase and a response regulator, facilitating responses to diverse physical, chemical, and biological stimuli. Advancements in synthetic and structural biology have repurposed TCSs for applications in monitoring heavy metals, disease-associated biomarkers, and the production of bioproducts. However, the utility of many TCS biosensors is hindered by undesired performance due to the lack of effective engineering methods. Here, we briefly discuss the architectures and regulatory mechanisms of TCSs. We also summarize the recent advancements in TCS engineering by experimental or computational-based methods to fine-tune the biosensor functional parameters, such as response curve and specificity. Engineered TCSs have great potential in the medical, environmental, and biorefinery fields, demonstrating a crucial role in a wide area of biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Cao
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chao Huang
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Shenghu Zhou
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Yu Deng
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thai TD, Lim W, Na D. Synthetic bacteria for the detection and bioremediation of heavy metals. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1178680. [PMID: 37122866 PMCID: PMC10133563 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1178680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic heavy metal accumulation is one of anthropogenic environmental pollutions, which poses risks to human health and ecological systems. Conventional heavy metal remediation approaches rely on expensive chemical and physical processes leading to the formation and release of other toxic waste products. Instead, microbial bioremediation has gained interest as a promising and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods, but the genetic complexity of microorganisms and the lack of appropriate genetic engineering technologies have impeded the development of bioremediating microorganisms. Recently, the emerging synthetic biology opened a new avenue for microbial bioremediation research and development by addressing the challenges and providing novel tools for constructing bacteria with enhanced capabilities: rapid detection and degradation of heavy metals while enhanced tolerance to toxic heavy metals. Moreover, synthetic biology also offers new technologies to meet biosafety regulations since genetically modified microorganisms may disrupt natural ecosystems. In this review, we introduce the use of microorganisms developed based on synthetic biology technologies for the detection and detoxification of heavy metals. Additionally, this review explores the technical strategies developed to overcome the biosafety requirements associated with the use of genetically modified microorganisms.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang J, Pang Q, Wang Q, Qi Q, Wang Q. Modular tuning engineering and versatile applications of genetically encoded biosensors. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:1010-1027. [PMID: 34615431 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1982858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors have a diverse range of detectable signals and potential applications in many fields, including metabolism control and high-throughput screening. Their ability to be used in situ with minimal interference to the bioprocess of interest could revolutionize synthetic biology and microbial cell factories. The performance and functions of these biosensors have been extensively studied and have been rapidly improved. We review here current biosensor tuning strategies and attempt to unravel how to obtain ideal biosensor functions through experimental adjustments. Strategies for expanding the biosensor input signals that increases the number of detectable compounds have also been summarized. Finally, different output signals and their practical requirements for biotechnology and biomedical applications and environmental safety concerns have been analyzed. This in-depth review of the responses and regulation mechanisms of genetically encoded biosensors will assist to improve their design and optimization in various application scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Qingxiao Pang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, P. R. China.,CAS Key Lab of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, P. R. China.,CAS Key Lab of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Pina LC, da Silva FSH, Galvão TC, Pauer H, Ferreira RBR, Antunes LCM. The role of two-component regulatory systems in environmental sensing and virulence in Salmonella. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:397-434. [PMID: 33751923 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1895067] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to environments with constant fluctuations imposes challenges that are only overcome with sophisticated strategies that allow bacteria to perceive environmental conditions and develop an appropriate response. The gastrointestinal environment is a complex ecosystem that is home to trillions of microorganisms. Termed microbiota, this microbial ensemble plays important roles in host health and provides colonization resistance against pathogens, although pathogens have evolved strategies to circumvent this barrier. Among the strategies used by bacteria to monitor their environment, one of the most important are the sensing and signalling machineries of two-component systems (TCSs), which play relevant roles in the behaviour of all bacteria. Salmonella enterica is no exception, and here we present our current understanding of how this important human pathogen uses TCSs as an integral part of its lifestyle. We describe important aspects of these systems, such as the stimuli and responses involved, the processes regulated, and their roles in virulence. We also dissect the genomic organization of histidine kinases and response regulators, as well as the input and output domains for each TCS. Lastly, we explore how these systems may be promising targets for the development of antivirulence therapeutics to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucindo Cardoso de Pina
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Ciência para o Desenvolvimento, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | - Teca Calcagno Galvão
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heidi Pauer
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Inovação em Doenças de Populações Negligenciadas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - L Caetano M Antunes
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Inovação em Doenças de Populações Negligenciadas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Pesquisa em Infecção Hospitalar, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A novel biosensor for zinc detection based on microbial fuel cell system. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 147:111763. [PMID: 31654820 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) biosensors are self-sustainable device for monitoring of various substrates; however, for heavy metals detection are still scarce. In this study, E. coli BL21 was engineered to express the zntR, ribB, and oprF genes with PzntA promoter, which could sense zinc (Zn2+) for riboflavin and porin production. The engineered strain produced high levels of riboflavin (2.4-3.6 μM) and improved cell membrane permeability, with a positive correlation of Zn2+ (0-400 μM). The strain was then employed in MFC biosensor under the following operational parameters: external resistance 1000 Ω, pH 9, and temperature 37 °C for Zn2+ sensing. The maximum voltages (160, 183, 260, 292, and 342 mV) of the constructed MFC biosensor have a linear relationship with Zn2+ concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 μM, respectively) (R2 = 0.9777). An Android App was developed for the biosensor system that could sense Zn2+ in real-time and in situ. The biosensor was applied to wastewater with different Zn2+ concentrations and the results showed that the detection range for Zn2+ was 20-100 μM, which covers common Zn2+ safety standards. The results obtained with developed MFC biosensor were comparable to conventional methods such as colorimetric, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). In summary, MFC biosensor with biosynthetic strain is an efficient and affordable system for real-time monitoring and sensing of heavy metals.
Collapse
|
6
|
In vivo biosensors: mechanisms, development, and applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 45:491-516. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-018-2004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In vivo biosensors can recognize and respond to specific cellular stimuli. In recent years, biosensors have been increasingly used in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, because they can be implemented in synthetic circuits to control the expression of reporter genes in response to specific cellular stimuli, such as a certain metabolite or a change in pH. There are many types of natural sensing devices, which can be generally divided into two main categories: protein-based and nucleic acid-based. Both can be obtained either by directly mining from natural genetic components or by engineering the existing genetic components for novel specificity or improved characteristics. A wide range of new technologies have enabled rapid engineering and discovery of new biosensors, which are paving the way for a new era of biotechnological progress. Here, we review recent advances in the design, optimization, and applications of in vivo biosensors in the field of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ravikumar S, Baylon MG, Park SJ, Choi JI. Engineered microbial biosensors based on bacterial two-component systems as synthetic biotechnology platforms in bioremediation and biorefinery. Microb Cell Fact 2017; 16:62. [PMID: 28410609 PMCID: PMC5391612 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0675-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-component regulatory systems (TCRSs) mediate cellular response by coupling sensing and regulatory mechanisms. TCRSs are comprised of a histidine kinase (HK), which serves as a sensor, and a response regulator, which regulates expression of the effector gene after being phosphorylated by HK. Using these attributes, bacterial TCRSs can be engineered to design microbial systems for different applications. This review focuses on the current advances in TCRS-based biosensors and on the design of microbial systems for bioremediation and their potential application in biorefinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sambandam Ravikumar
- Biomolecules Engineering Lab, Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Mary Grace Baylon
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Jae Park
- Division of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Il Choi
- Biomolecules Engineering Lab, Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ganesh I, Maruthamuthu MK, Hong SH. Engineering a chimeric malate two-component system by introducing a positive feedback loop in Escherichia coli. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-015-0209-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
9
|
Modification of the dynamic nature of the chimeric fumarate two-component system in Escherichia coli via positive feedback loop. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-015-0255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
10
|
Determination of zinc, cadmium and lead bioavailability in contaminated soils at the single-cell level by a combination of whole-cell biosensors and flow cytometry. SENSORS 2015; 15:8981-99. [PMID: 25894939 PMCID: PMC4431249 DOI: 10.3390/s150408981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Zinc, lead and cadmium are metallic trace elements (MTEs) that are widespread in the environment and tend to accumulate in soils because of their low mobility and non-degradability. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the applicability of biosensors as tools able to provide data about the bioavailability of such MTEs in contaminated soils. Here, we tested the genetically-engineered strain Escherichia coli pP(ZntA)gfp as a biosensor applicable to the detection of zinc, lead and cadmium by the biosynthesis of green fluorescent protein (GFP) accumulating inside the cells. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the fluorescence induced by the MTEs. A curvilinear response to zinc between 0 and 25 mg/L and another curvilinear response to cadmium between 0 and 1.5 mg/L were highlighted in liquid media, while lead did not produce exploitable results. The response relating to a Zn2+/Cd2+ ratio of 10 was further investigated. In these conditions, E. coli pP(ZntA)gfp responded to cadmium only. Several contaminated soils with a Zn2+/Cd2+ ratio of 10 were analyzed with the biosensor, and the metallic concentrations were also measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Our results showed that E. coli pP(ZntA)gfp could be used as a monitoring tool for contaminated soils being processed.
Collapse
|