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Lux MW, Strychalski EA, Vora GJ. Advancing reproducibility can ease the 'hard truths' of synthetic biology. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2023; 8:ysad014. [PMID: 38022744 PMCID: PMC10640854 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproducibility has been identified as an outstanding challenge in science, and the field of synthetic biology is no exception. Meeting this challenge is critical to allow the transformative technological capabilities emerging from this field to reach their full potential to benefit the society. We discuss the current state of reproducibility in synthetic biology and how improvements can address some of the central shortcomings in the field. We argue that the successful adoption of reproducibility as a routine aspect of research and development requires commitment spanning researchers and relevant institutions via education, incentivization and investment in related infrastructure. The urgency of this topic pervades synthetic biology as it strives to advance fundamental insights and unlock new capabilities for safe, secure and scalable applications of biotechnology. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Lux
- Research & Operations Directorate, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center, APG, MD 21010, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Strychalski
- Cellular Engineering Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Gary J Vora
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
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2
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Siddall A, Williams AA, Sanders J, Denton JA, Madden D, Schollar J, Bryk J. Unigems: plasmids and parts to facilitate teaching on assembly, gene expression control and logic in E. coli. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:000596.v3. [PMID: 37841098 PMCID: PMC10569648 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000596.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology enables the creative combination of engineering and molecular biology for exploration of fundamental aspects of biological phenomena. However, there are limited resources available for such applications in the educational context, where straightforward setup, easily measurable phenotypes and extensibility are of particular importance. We developed unigems, a set of ten plasmids that enable classroom-based investigation of gene-expression control and biological logic gates to facilitate teaching synthetic biology and genetic engineering. It is built on a high-copy plasmid backbone and is easily extensible thanks to a common primer set that facilitates Gibson assembly of PCR-generated or synthesized DNA parts into the target vector. It includes two reporter genes with either two constitutive (high- or low-level) or two inducible (lactose- or arabinose-) promoters, as well as a single-plasmid implementation of an AND logic gate. The set can readily be employed in undergraduate teaching settings, during outreach events and for training of iGEM teams. All plasmids have been deposited in Addgene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Siddall
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Abbie Ann Williams
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Jason Sanders
- School of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Jai A. Denton
- Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
- Institute of Vector-borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Dean Madden
- National Centre for Biotechnology Education, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - John Schollar
- National Centre for Biotechnology Education, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jarosław Bryk
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- National Centre for Biotechnology Education, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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3
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Thiem A, Mkrtchyan L, Sebechlebská Z. Combinational Regularity Analysis (CORA) - a new method for uncovering complex causation in medical and health research. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:333. [PMID: 36564706 PMCID: PMC9784266 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01800-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern configurational comparative methods (CCMs) of causal inference, such as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Coincidence Analysis (CNA), have started to make inroads into medical and health research over the last decade. At the same time, these methods remain unable to process data on multi-morbidity, a situation in which at least two chronic conditions are simultaneously present. Such data require the capability to analyze complex effects. Against a background of fast-growing numbers of patients with multi-morbid diagnoses, we present a new member of the family of CCMs with which multiple conditions and their complex conjunctions can be analyzed: Combinational Regularity Analysis (CORA). METHODS The technical heart of CORA consists of algorithms that have originally been developed in electrical engineering for the analysis of multi-output switching circuits. We have adapted these algorithms for purposes of configurational data analysis. To demonstrate CORA, we provide several example applications, both with simulated and empirical data, by means of the eponymous software package CORA. Also included in CORA is the possibility to mine configurational data and to visualize results via logic diagrams. RESULTS For simple single-condition analyses, CORA's solution is identical with that of QCA or CNA. However, analyses of multiple conditions with CORA differ in important respects from analyses with QCA or CNA. Most importantly, CORA is presently the only configurational method able to simultaneously explain individual conditions as well as complex conjunctions of conditions. CONCLUSIONS Through CORA, problems of multi-morbidity in particular, and configurational analyses of complex effects in general, come into the analytical reach of CCMs. Future research aims to further broaden and enhance CORA's capabilities for refining such analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alrik Thiem
- grid.449852.60000 0001 1456 7938Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Lusine Mkrtchyan
- grid.449852.60000 0001 1456 7938Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Zuzana Sebechlebská
- grid.449852.60000 0001 1456 7938Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Weihmann R, Kubicki S, Bitzenhofer NL, Domröse A, Bator I, Kirschen LM, Kofler F, Funk A, Tiso T, Blank LM, Jaeger KE, Drepper T, Thies S, Loeschcke A. The modular pYT vector series employed for chromosomal gene integration and expression to produce carbazoles and glycolipids in P. putida. FEMS MICROBES 2022; 4:xtac030. [PMID: 37333445 PMCID: PMC10117823 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of biosynthetic genes in bacterial hosts can enable access to high-value compounds, for which appropriate molecular genetic tools are essential. Therefore, we developed a toolbox of modular vectors, which facilitate chromosomal gene integration and expression in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. To this end, we designed an integrative sequence, allowing customisation regarding the modes of integration (random, at attTn7, or into the 16S rRNA gene), promoters, antibiotic resistance markers as well as fluorescent proteins and enzymes as transcription reporters. We thus established a toolbox of vectors carrying integrative sequences, designated as pYT series, of which we present 27 ready-to-use variants along with a set of strains equipped with unique 'landing pads' for directing a pYT interposon into one specific copy of the 16S rRNA gene. We used genes of the well-described violacein biosynthesis as reporter to showcase random Tn5-based chromosomal integration leading to constitutive expression and production of violacein and deoxyviolacein. Deoxyviolacein was likewise produced after gene integration into the 16S rRNA gene of rrn operons. Integration in the attTn7 site was used to characterise the suitability of different inducible promoters and successive strain development for the metabolically challenging production of mono-rhamnolipids. Finally, to establish arcyriaflavin A production in P. putida for the first time, we compared different integration and expression modes, revealing integration at attTn7 and expression with NagR/PnagAa to be most suitable. In summary, the new toolbox can be utilised for the rapid generation of various types of P. putida expression and production strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Weihmann
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Sonja Kubicki
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Nora Lisa Bitzenhofer
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Domröse
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Isabel Bator
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- iAMB - Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Kirschen
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Franziska Kofler
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Aileen Funk
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Till Tiso
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- iAMB - Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lars M Blank
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- iAMB - Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Bio-and Geosciences IBG 1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Stephan Thies
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Anita Loeschcke
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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Glykofrydis F, Elfick A. Exploring standards for multicellular mammalian synthetic biology. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1299-1312. [PMID: 35803769 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is moving towards bioengineering multicellular mammalian systems that are poised to advance tissue engineering, biomedicine, and the food industry. Despite progress, the field lacks a framework of standards that could greatly accelerate further development. Here, we explore the landscape of standards for multicellular mammalian synthetic biology. We discuss the limits of current technical standards and categorise unaddressed parameters into an abstraction hierarchy. We then define the concept of a 'synthetic multicellular mammalian system' and apply our standard hierarchy framework to illustrate how it could aid bioengineering endeavours. We conclude with promising areas that could shape the future of the field, flagging the need for a critical and holistic consideration of standards that requires cross-disciplinary dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokion Glykofrydis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK; UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BD, UK
| | - Alistair Elfick
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK; UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BD, UK.
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6
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Gelman R, Berg M, Ilan Y. A Subject-Tailored Variability-Based Platform for Overcoming the Plateau Effect in Sports Training: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1722. [PMID: 35162745 PMCID: PMC8834821 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The plateau effect in training is a significant obstacle for professional athletes and average subjects. It evolves from both the muscle-nerve-axis-associated performance and various cardiorespiratory parameters. Compensatory adaptation mechanisms contribute to a lack of continuous improvement with most exercise regimens. Attempts to overcome this plateau in exercise have been only partially successful, and it remains a significant unmet need in both healthy subjects and those suffering from chronic neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and metabolic diseases. Variability patterns characterize many biological processes, from cellular to organ levels. The present review discusses the significant obstacles in overcoming the plateau in training and establishes a platform to implement subject-tailored variability patterns to prevent and overcome this plateau in muscle and cardiorespiratory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Gelman
- Department of Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103401, Israel;
| | - Marc Berg
- Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Yaron Ilan
- Department of Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103401, Israel;
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7
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Gauttam R, Mukhopadhyay A, Simmons BA, Singer SW. Development of dual-inducible duet-expression vectors for tunable gene expression control and CRISPR interference-based gene repression in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:2659-2678. [PMID: 34009716 PMCID: PMC8601191 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of P. putida as an industrial host requires a sophisticated molecular toolbox for strain improvement, including vectors for gene expression and repression. To augment existing expression plasmids for metabolic engineering, we developed a series of dual-inducible duet-expression vectors for P. putida KT2440. A number of inducible promoters (Plac , Ptac , PtetR/tetA and Pbad ) were used in different combinations to differentially regulate the expression of individual genes. Protein expression was evaluated by measuring the fluorescence of reporter proteins (GFP and RFP). Our experiments demonstrated the use of compatible plasmids, a useful approach to coexpress multiple genes in P. putida KT2440. These duet vectors were modified to generate a fully inducible CRISPR interference system using two catalytically inactive Cas9 variants from S. pasteurianus (dCas9) and S. pyogenes (spdCas9). The utility of developed CRISPRi system(s) was demonstrated by repressing the expression of nine conditionally essential genes, resulting in growth impairment and prolonged lag phase for P. putida KT2440 growth on glucose. Furthermore, the system was shown to be tightly regulated, tunable and to provide a simple way to identify essential genes with an observable phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Gauttam
- The Joint BioEnergy InstituteEmeryvilleCAUSA
- Biological Systems and Engineering DivisionLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Aindrila Mukhopadhyay
- The Joint BioEnergy InstituteEmeryvilleCAUSA
- Biological Systems and Engineering DivisionLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Blake A. Simmons
- The Joint BioEnergy InstituteEmeryvilleCAUSA
- Biological Systems and Engineering DivisionLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Steven W. Singer
- The Joint BioEnergy InstituteEmeryvilleCAUSA
- Biological Systems and Engineering DivisionLawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCAUSA
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8
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Bayer CN, Rennig M, Ehrmann AK, Nørholm MHH. A standardized genome architecture for bacterial synthetic biology (SEGA). Nat Commun 2021; 12:5876. [PMID: 34620865 PMCID: PMC8497626 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal recombinant gene expression offers a number of advantages over plasmid-based synthetic biology. However, the methods applied for bacterial genome engineering are still challenging and far from being standardized. Here, in an attempt to realize the simplest recombinant genome technology imaginable and facilitate the transition from recombinant plasmids to genomes, we create a simplistic methodology and a comprehensive strain collection called the Standardized Genome Architecture (SEGA). In its simplest form, SEGA enables genome engineering by combining only two reagents: a DNA fragment that can be ordered from a commercial vendor and a stock solution of bacterial cells followed by incubation on agar plates. Recombinant genomes are identified by visual inspection using green-white colony screening akin to classical blue-white screening for recombinant plasmids. The modular nature of SEGA allows precise multi-level control of transcriptional, translational, and post-translational regulation. The SEGA architecture simultaneously supports increased standardization of genetic designs and a broad application range by utilizing well-characterized parts optimized for robust performance in the context of the bacterial genome. Ultimately, its adaption and expansion by the scientific community should improve predictability and comparability of experimental outcomes across different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn N Bayer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Maja Rennig
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Anja K Ehrmann
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten H H Nørholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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9
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Khoury T, Ilan Y. Platform introducing individually tailored variability in nerve stimulations and dietary regimen to prevent weight regain following weight loss in patients with obesity. Obes Res Clin Pract 2021; 15:114-123. [PMID: 33653665 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of weight regain following successful weight loss is a major challenge in the treatment of obesity, irrespective of the weight reduction method used. The majority of individuals regain the lost weight over time; thus, achieving long-term sustainability in weight loss remains an unresolved issue. A compensatory adaptation to the weight loss methods occurs in several body organs and partly explains the lack of sustainable effect. Variability is inherent in many biological systems, and patterns of variability constitute a body mechanism that is active at several levels, starting from the genes and cellular pathways through to the whole-organ level. This study aimed to describe a platform that introduces individually tailored variability in vagal nerve stimulation and dietary regimen to ensure prolonged and sustainable weight loss and prevent weight regain. The platform is intended to provide a method that can overcome the body's compensatory adaptation mechanisms while ensuring a prolonged beneficial effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawfik Khoury
- Department of Gastroenterology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel; Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yaron Ilan
- Department of Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, PO Box 12000, IL-91120, Jerusalem, Israel.
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10
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Potential of Integrating Model-Based Design of Experiments Approaches and Process Analytical Technologies for Bioprocess Scale-Down. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33381857 DOI: 10.1007/10_2020_154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Typically, bioprocesses on an industrial scale are dynamic systems with a certain degree of variability, system inhomogeneities, and even population heterogeneities. Therefore, the scaling of such processes from laboratory to industrial scale and vice versa is not a trivial task. Traditional scale-down methodologies consider several technical parameters, so that systems on the laboratory scale tend to qualitatively reflect large-scale effects, but not the dynamic situation in an industrial bioreactor over the entire process, from the perspective of a cell. Supported by the enormous increase in computing power, the latest scientific focus is on the application of dynamic models, in combination with computational fluid dynamics to quantitatively describe cell behavior. These models allow the description of possible cellular lifelines which in turn can be used to derive a regime analysis for scale-down experiments. However, the approaches described so far, which were for a very few process examples, are very labor- and time-intensive and cannot be validated easily. In parallel, alternatives have been developed based on the description of the industrial process with hybrid process models, which describe a process mechanistically as far as possible in order to determine the essential process parameters with their respective variances. On-line analytical methods allow the characterization of population heterogeneity directly in the process. This detailed information from the industrial process can be used in laboratory screening systems to select relevant conditions in which the cell and process related parameters reflect the situation in the industrial scale. In our opinion, these technologies, which are available in research for modeling biological systems, in combination with process analytical techniques are so far developed that they can be implemented in industrial routines for faster development of new processes and optimization of existing ones.
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Ilan Y. Second-Generation Digital Health Platforms: Placing the Patient at the Center and Focusing on Clinical Outcomes. Front Digit Health 2020; 2:569178. [PMID: 34713042 PMCID: PMC8521820 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2020.569178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) digital health systems have drawn much attention over the last decade. However, their implementation into medical practice occurs at a much slower pace than expected. This paper reviews some of the achievements of first-generation AI systems, and the barriers facing their implementation into medical practice. The development of second-generation AI systems is discussed with a focus on overcoming some of these obstacles. Second-generation systems are aimed at focusing on a single subject and on improving patients' clinical outcomes. A personalized closed-loop system designed to improve end-organ function and the patient's response to chronic therapies is presented. The system introduces a platform which implements a personalized therapeutic regimen and introduces quantifiable individualized-variability patterns into its algorithm. The platform is designed to achieve a clinically meaningful endpoint by ensuring that chronic therapies will have sustainable effect while overcoming compensatory mechanisms associated with disease progression and drug resistance. Second-generation systems are expected to assist patients and providers in adopting and implementing of these systems into everyday care.
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12
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Ilan Y, Spigelman Z. Establishing patient-tailored variability-based paradigms for anti-cancer therapy: Using the inherent trajectories which underlie cancer for overcoming drug resistance. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2020; 25:100240. [PMID: 33246316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2020.100240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major obstacle for successful therapy of many malignancies and is affecting the loss of response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Tumor-related compensatory adaptation mechanisms contribute to the development of drug resistance. Variability is inherent to biological systems and altered patterns of variability are associated with disease conditions. The marked intra and inter patient tumor heterogeneity, and the diverse mechanism contributing to drug resistance in different subjects, which may change over time even in the same patient, necessitate the development of personalized dynamic approaches for overcoming drug resistance. Altered dosing regimens, the potential role of chronotherapy, and drug holidays are effective in cancer therapy and immunotherapy. In the present review we describe the difficulty of overcoming drug resistance in a dynamic system and present the use of the inherent trajectories which underlie cancer development for building therapeutic regimens which can overcome resistance. The establishment of a platform wherein patient-tailored variability signatures are used for overcoming resistance for ensuing long term sustainable improved responses is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Ilan
- Department of Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Zachary Spigelman
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Lahey Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center, MA, USA
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de Lorenzo V, Krasnogor N, Schmidt M. For the sake of the Bioeconomy: define what a Synthetic Biology Chassis is! N Biotechnol 2020; 60:44-51. [PMID: 32889152 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
At the onset of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the role of synthetic biology (SynBio) as a fuel for the bioeconomy requires clarification of the terms typically adopted by this growing scientific-technical field. The concept of the chassis as a defined, reusable biological frame where non-native components can be plugged in and out to create new functionalities lies at the boundary between frontline bioengineering and more traditional recombinant DNA technology. As synthetic biology leaves academic laboratories and starts penetrating industrial and environmental realms regulatory agencies demand clear definitions and descriptions of SynBio constituents, processes and products. In this article, the state of the ongoing discussion on what is a chassis is reviewed, a non-equivocal nomenclature for the jargon used is proposed and objective criteria are recommended for distinguishing SynBio agents from traditional GMOs. The use of genomic barcodes as unique identifiers is strongly advocated. Finally the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida is shown as an example of the roadmap that one environmental isolate may go through to become a bona fide SynBio chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) Madrid 28049, Spain.
| | - Natalio Krasnogor
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) research group, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5TG UK
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14
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Tas H, Amara A, Cueva ME, Bongaerts N, Calvo‐Villamañán A, Hamadache S, Vavitsas K. Are synthetic biology standards applicable in everyday research practice? Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:1304-1308. [PMID: 32567248 PMCID: PMC7415368 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The issue of standardization in synthetic biology is a recurring one. As a discipline that incorporates engineering principles into biological designs, synthetic biology needs effective ways to communicate results and allow different researchers (both academic and industrial) to build upon previous results and improve on existing designs. An aspect that is left out of the discussions, especially when they happen at the level of academic and industrial consortia or policymaking, is whether or not standards are applicable or even useful in everyday research practice. In this caucus article, we examine this particular issue with the hope of including it in the standardization discussions agenda and provide insights into a topic that synthetic biology researchers experience daily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Tas
- Systems and Synthetic Biology ProgramSpanish National Center for Biotechnology (CNB‐CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Adam Amara
- Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Miguel E. Cueva
- SynthSys, CSEC and School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Nadine Bongaerts
- Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI)Université de ParisINSERM U1284ParisFrance
| | | | - Samir Hamadache
- Department of BiochemistrySchulich School of Medicine and DentistryWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Konstantinos Vavitsas
- Department of BiologyNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensPanepistimioupolisAthens15784Greece
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15
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The role of chronobiology in drug-resistance epilepsy: The potential use of a variability and chronotherapy-based individualized platform for improving the response to anti-seizure drugs. Seizure 2020; 80:201-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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16
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Chegounian P, Zerriffi H, Yadav VG. Engineering Microbes for Remediation of Oil Sands Tailings. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 38:1192-1196. [PMID: 32402414 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology and adaptive laboratory evolution are key tools for developing biotechnology platforms for the remediation of oil sands tailings. However, field deployment and subsequent regulation of engineered and/or evolved strains is rife with uncertainties and risks. Here, we detail an innovation strategy to derisk and deploy engineered bioremediation platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Chegounian
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Metabolik Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hisham Zerriffi
- Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Vikramaditya G Yadav
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Metabolik Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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17
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Kelwick RJR, Webb AJ, Freemont PS. Biological Materials: The Next Frontier for Cell-Free Synthetic Biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:399. [PMID: 32478045 PMCID: PMC7235315 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in cell-free synthetic biology are enabling innovations in sustainable biomanufacturing, that may ultimately shift the global manufacturing paradigm toward localized and ecologically harmonized production processes. Cell-free synthetic biology strategies have been developed for the bioproduction of fine chemicals, biofuels and biological materials. Cell-free workflows typically utilize combinations of purified enzymes, cell extracts for biotransformation or cell-free protein synthesis reactions, to assemble and characterize biosynthetic pathways. Importantly, cell-free reactions can combine the advantages of chemical engineering with metabolic engineering, through the direct addition of co-factors, substrates and chemicals -including those that are cytotoxic. Cell-free synthetic biology is also amenable to automatable design cycles through which an array of biological materials and their underpinning biosynthetic pathways can be tested and optimized in parallel. Whilst challenges still remain, recent convergences between the materials sciences and these advancements in cell-free synthetic biology enable new frontiers for materials research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. R. Kelwick
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Webb
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul S. Freemont
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation & Innovation Hub, London, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Beal J, Goñi-Moreno A, Myers C, Hecht A, de Vicente MDC, Parco M, Schmidt M, Timmis K, Baldwin G, Friedrichs S, Freemont P, Kiga D, Ordozgoiti E, Rennig M, Rios L, Tanner K, de Lorenzo V, Porcar M. The long journey towards standards for engineering biosystems: Are the Molecular Biology and the Biotech communities ready to standardise? EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50521. [PMID: 32337821 PMCID: PMC7202200 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Beal
- Raytheon BBN Technologies, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Angel Goñi-Moreno
- School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maja Rennig
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Leonardo Rios
- Institute for Bioengineering and Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Manuel Porcar
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia, Paterna, Spain
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19
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Ilan Y. Order Through Disorder: The Characteristic Variability of Systems. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:186. [PMID: 32266266 PMCID: PMC7098948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomness characterizes many processes in nature, and therefore its importance cannot be overstated. In the present study, we investigate examples of randomness found in various fields, to underlie its fundamental processes. The fields we address include physics, chemistry, biology (biological systems from genes to whole organs), medicine, and environmental science. Through the chosen examples, we explore the seemingly paradoxical nature of life and demonstrate that randomness is preferred under specific conditions. Furthermore, under certain conditions, promoting or making use of variability-associated parameters may be necessary for improving the function of processes and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Ilan
- Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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20
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Tellechea-Luzardo J, Winterhalter C, Widera P, Kozyra J, de Lorenzo V, Krasnogor N. Linking Engineered Cells to Their Digital Twins: A Version Control System for Strain Engineering. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:536-545. [PMID: 32078768 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As DNA sequencing and synthesis become cheaper and more easily accessible, the scale and complexity of biological engineering projects is set to grow. Yet, although there is an accelerating convergence between biotechnology and digital technology, a deficit in software and laboratory techniques diminishes the ability to make biotechnology more agile, reproducible, and transparent while, at the same time, limiting the security and safety of synthetic biology constructs. To partially address some of these problems, this paper presents an approach for physically linking engineered cells to their digital footprint-we called it digital twinning. This enables the tracking of the entire engineering history of a cell line in a specialized version control system for collaborative strain engineering via simple barcoding protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Tellechea-Luzardo
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5TG, U.K
| | - Charles Winterhalter
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5TG, U.K
| | - Paweł Widera
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5TG, U.K
| | - Jerzy Kozyra
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5TG, U.K
| | - Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalio Krasnogor
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5TG, U.K
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21
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Kopniczky MB, Canavan C, McClymont DW, Crone MA, Suckling L, Goetzmann B, Siciliano V, MacDonald JT, Jensen K, Freemont PS. Cell-Free Protein Synthesis as a Prototyping Platform for Mammalian Synthetic Biology. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:144-156. [PMID: 31899623 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The field of mammalian synthetic biology is expanding quickly, and technologies for engineering large synthetic gene circuits are increasingly accessible. However, for mammalian cell engineering, traditional tissue culture methods are slow and cumbersome, and are not suited for high-throughput characterization measurements. Here we have utilized mammalian cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) assays using HeLa cell extracts and liquid handling automation as an alternative to tissue culture and flow cytometry-based measurements. Our CFPS assays take a few hours, and we have established optimized protocols for small-volume reactions using automated acoustic liquid handling technology. As a proof-of-concept, we characterized diverse types of genetic regulation in CFPS, including T7 constitutive promoter variants, internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) constitutive translation-initiation sequence variants, CRISPR/dCas9-mediated transcription repression, and L7Ae-mediated translation repression. Our data shows simple regulatory elements for use in mammalian cells can be quickly prototyped in a CFPS model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita B. Kopniczky
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Caoimhe Canavan
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - David W. McClymont
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation & Innovation Hub, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Michael A. Crone
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, U.K
| | - Lorna Suckling
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation & Innovation Hub, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Bruno Goetzmann
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Velia Siciliano
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - James T. MacDonald
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Kirsten Jensen
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation & Innovation Hub, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, U.K
| | - Paul S. Freemont
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation & Innovation Hub, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, U.K
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22
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Martínez-García E, Goñi-Moreno A, Bartley B, McLaughlin J, Sánchez-Sampedro L, Pascual del Pozo H, Prieto Hernández C, Marletta AS, De Lucrezia D, Sánchez-Fernández G, Fraile S, de Lorenzo V. SEVA 3.0: an update of the Standard European Vector Architecture for enabling portability of genetic constructs among diverse bacterial hosts. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:D1164-D1170. [PMID: 31740968 PMCID: PMC7018797 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Standard European Vector Architecture 3.0 database (SEVA-DB 3.0, http://seva.cnb.csic.es) is the update of the platform launched in 2013 both as a web-based resource and as a material repository of formatted genetic tools (mostly plasmids) for analysis, construction and deployment of complex bacterial phenotypes. The period between the first version of SEVA-DB and the present time has witnessed several technical, computational and conceptual advances in genetic/genomic engineering of prokaryotes that have enabled upgrading of the utilities of the updated database. Novelties include not only a more user-friendly web interface and many more plasmid vectors, but also new links of the plasmids to advanced bioinformatic tools. These provide an intuitive visualization of the constructs at stake and a range of virtual manipulations of DNA segments that were not possible before. Finally, the list of canonical SEVA plasmids is available in machine-readable SBOL (Synthetic Biology Open Language) format. This ensures interoperability with other platforms and affords simulations of their behaviour under different in vivo conditions. We argue that the SEVA-DB will remain a useful resource for extending Synthetic Biology approaches towards non-standard bacterial species as well as genetically programming new prokaryotic chassis for a suite of fundamental and biotechnological endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Martínez-García
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología CSIC, Campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sofía Fraile
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología CSIC, Campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Spain
| | - Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología CSIC, Campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Spain
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23
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Khoury T, Ilan Y. Introducing Patterns of Variability for Overcoming Compensatory Adaptation of the Immune System to Immunomodulatory Agents: A Novel Method for Improving Clinical Response to Anti-TNF Therapies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2726. [PMID: 31824506 PMCID: PMC6879658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary lack of response and secondary loss of response (LOR) are major obstacles to the use of anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-based therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we review the mechanisms and methods for predicting LOR and the currently used methods for overcoming the ineffectiveness of anti-TNFs. The complex functions of TNF and anti-TNF antibodies, which can promote both pro- or anti-inflammatory actions, and the factors that affect the induction of immune tolerance to their effects are presented. The lack of rules and the continuous dynamics of the immune processes partly underlie the unpredictability of the response to anti-TNFs. Variability is inherent to biological systems, including immune processes, and intra/inter-patient variability has been described in the response to drugs. This variability is viewed as a compensatory adaptation mechanism of the immune system in response to drugs and may contribute to treatment LOR. Dose reductions and drug holidays have been tested in patients treated with anti-TNFs. Regular dose-based regimens may be incompatible with physiological variability, further contributing to treatment inefficacy. We present the concept of overcoming immune system adaptation to anti-TNFs by introducing patient-tailored patterns of variability to treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawfik Khoury
- Department of Gastroenterology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.,Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yaron Ilan
- Department of Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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24
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Pseudomonas putida in the quest of programmable chemistry. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 59:111-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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25
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Kitney R, Adeogun M, Fujishima Y, Goñi-Moreno Á, Johnson R, Maxon M, Steedman S, Ward S, Winickoff D, Philp J. Enabling the Advanced Bioeconomy through Public Policy Supporting Biofoundries and Engineering Biology. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:917-920. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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26
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Song T, Rodriguez-Paton A, Zheng P, Zeng X. Spiking Neural P Systems With Colored Spikes. IEEE Trans Cogn Dev Syst 2018. [DOI: 10.1109/tcds.2017.2785332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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27
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Wagner SG, Ziegler M, Löwe H, Kremling A, Pflüger-Grau K. pTRA - A reporter system for monitoring the intracellular dynamics of gene expression. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197420. [PMID: 29772009 PMCID: PMC5957375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of standardised tools and methods to measure and represent accurately biological parts and functions is a prerequisite for successful metabolic engineering and crucial to understand and predict the behaviour of synthetic genetic circuits. Many synthetic gene networks are based on transcriptional circuits, thus information on transcriptional and translational activity is important for understanding and fine-tuning the synthetic function. To this end, we have developed a toolkit to analyse systematically the transcriptional and translational activity of a specific synthetic part in vivo. It is based on the plasmid pTRA and allows the assignment of specific transcriptional and translational outputs to the gene(s) of interest (GOI) and to compare different genetic setups. By this, the optimal combination of transcriptional strength and translational activity can be identified. The design is tested in a case study using the gene encoding the fluorescent mCherry protein as GOI. We show the intracellular dynamics of mRNA and protein formation and discuss the potential and shortcomings of the pTRA plasmid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine G. Wagner
- Systems Biotechnology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Ziegler
- Systems Biotechnology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Hannes Löwe
- Systems Biotechnology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Andreas Kremling
- Systems Biotechnology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Katharina Pflüger-Grau
- Systems Biotechnology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- * E-mail:
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28
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de Lorenzo V. Synthetic microbiology: from analogy to methodology. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:1264-1266. [PMID: 28745463 PMCID: PMC5609264 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049, Cantoblanco-Madrid, Spain
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29
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Caschera F. Bacterial cell-free expression technology to in vitro systems engineering and optimization. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2017; 2:97-104. [PMID: 29062966 PMCID: PMC5637228 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free expression system is a technology for the synthesis of proteins in vitro. The system is a platform for several bioengineering projects, e.g. cell-free metabolic engineering, evolutionary design of experiments, and synthetic minimal cell construction. Bacterial cell-free protein synthesis system (CFPS) is a robust tool for synthetic biology. The bacteria lysate, the DNA, and the energy module, which are the three optimized sub-systems for in vitro protein synthesis, compose the integrated system. Currently, an optimized E. coli cell-free expression system can produce up to ∼2.3 mg/mL of a fluorescent reporter protein. Herein, I will describe the features of ATP-regeneration systems for in vitro protein synthesis, and I will present a machine-learning experiment for optimizing the protein yield of E. coli cell-free protein synthesis systems. Moreover, I will introduce experiments on the synthesis of a minimal cell using liposomes as dynamic containers, and E. coli cell-free expression system as biochemical platform for metabolism and gene expression. CFPS can be further integrated with other technologies for novel applications in environmental, medical and material science.
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