1
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Ding Q, Liu L. Reprogramming cellular metabolism to increase the efficiency of microbial cell factories. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:892-909. [PMID: 37380349 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2208286] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies are increasingly focusing on advanced biotechnological tools, self-adjusting smart microorganisms, and artificial intelligent networks, to engineer microorganisms with various functions. Microbial cell factories are a vital platform for improving the bioproduction of medicines, biofuels, and biomaterials from renewable carbon sources. However, these processes are significantly affected by cellular metabolism, and boosting the efficiency of microbial cell factories remains a challenge. In this review, we present a strategy for reprogramming cellular metabolism to enhance the efficiency of microbial cell factories for chemical biosynthesis, which improves our understanding of microbial physiology and metabolic control. Current methods are mainly focused on synthetic pathways, metabolic resources, and cell performance. This review highlights the potential biotechnological strategy to reprogram cellular metabolism and provide novel guidance for designing more intelligent industrial microbes with broader applications in this growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microenvironment and Precision Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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2
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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 2024:108404. [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] [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 architecture 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Cao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Chao Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Shenghu Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Yu Deng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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3
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Toya Y, Shimizu H. Coupling and uncoupling growth and product formation for producing chemicals. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103133. [PMID: 38640846 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Microbial fermentation employs two strategies: growth- and nongrowth-coupled productions. Stoichiometric metabolic models with flux balance analysis enable pathway engineering to couple target synthesis with growth, yielding numerous successful results. Growth-coupled engineering also contributes to improving bottleneck flux through subsequent adaptive evolution. However, because growth-coupled production inevitably shares resources between biomass and target syntheses, the cost-effective production of bulk chemicals mandates a nongrowth-coupled approach. In such processes, understanding how and when to transition the metabolic state from growth to production modes becomes crucial, as does maintaining cellular activity during the nongrowing state to achieve high productivity. In this paper, we review recent technologies for growth-coupled and nongrowth-coupled production, considering their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Toya
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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4
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Zhao F, Niman CM, Ostovar G, Chavez MS, Atkinson JT, Bonis BM, Gralnick JA, El-Naggar MY, Boedicker JQ. Red-Light-Induced Genetic System for Control of Extracellular Electron Transfer. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1467-1476. [PMID: 38696739 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00684] [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: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics is a powerful tool for spatiotemporal control of gene expression. Several light-inducible gene regulators have been developed to function in bacteria, and these regulatory circuits have been ported to new host strains. Here, we developed and adapted a red-light-inducible transcription factor for Shewanella oneidensis. This regulatory circuit is based on the iLight optogenetic system, which controls gene expression using red light. A thermodynamic model and promoter engineering were used to adapt this system to achieve differential gene expression in light and dark conditions within a S. oneidensis host strain. We further improved the iLight optogenetic system by adding a repressor to invert the genetic circuit and activate gene expression under red light illumination. The inverted iLight genetic circuit was used to control extracellular electron transfer within S. oneidensis. The ability to use both red- and blue-light-induced optogenetic circuits simultaneously was also demonstrated. Our work expands the synthetic biology capabilities in S. oneidensis, which could facilitate future advances in applications with electrogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjie Zhao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Christina M Niman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Ghazaleh Ostovar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Marko S Chavez
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Joshua T Atkinson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Benjamin M Bonis
- BioTechnology Institute and Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Gralnick
- BioTechnology Institute and Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Mohamed Y El-Naggar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - James Q Boedicker
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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5
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Elahi Y, Baker MAB. Light Control in Microbial Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4001. [PMID: 38612810 PMCID: PMC11011852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074001] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Light is a key environmental component influencing many biological processes, particularly in prokaryotes such as archaea and bacteria. Light control techniques have revolutionized precise manipulation at molecular and cellular levels in recent years. Bacteria, with adaptability and genetic tractability, are promising candidates for light control studies. This review investigates the mechanisms underlying light activation in bacteria and discusses recent advancements focusing on light control methods and techniques for controlling bacteria. We delve into the mechanisms by which bacteria sense and transduce light signals, including engineered photoreceptors and light-sensitive actuators, and various strategies employed to modulate gene expression, protein function, and bacterial motility. Furthermore, we highlight recent developments in light-integrated methods of controlling microbial responses, such as upconversion nanoparticles and optical tweezers, which can enhance the spatial and temporal control of bacteria and open new horizons for biomedical applications.
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6
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Akagi H, Shimizu H, Toya Y. Multicolor optogenetics for regulating flux ratio of three glycolytic pathways using EL222 and CcaSR in Escherichia coli. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:1016-1025. [PMID: 38116710 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28628] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics is an attractive synthetic biology tool for controlling the metabolic flux distribution. Here, we demonstrated optogenetic flux ratio control of glycolytic pathways consisting of the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP), pentose phosphate (PP), and Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathways by illuminating multicolor lights using blue light-responsive EL222 and green/red light-responsive CcaSR in Escherichia coli. EL222 forms a dimer and binds to a particular DNA sequence under blue light; therefore, target gene expression can be reduced or induced by inserting a recognition sequence into its promoter regions. First, a flux ratio between the PP and ED pathways was controlled by blue light using EL222. After blocking the EMP pathway, the EL222-recognition sequence was inserted between the -35 and -10 regions of gnd to repress the PP flux and was also inserted upstream of the -35 region of edd to induce ED flux. After adjusting light intensity, the PP:ED flux ratios were 60:39% and 29:70% under dark and blue light conditions, respectively. Finally, a CcaSR-based pgi expression system was implemented to control the flux ratio between the EMP and PP + ED pathways by illuminating green/red light. The EMP:PP:ED flux ratios were 80:9:11%, 14:35:51%, and 33:5:62% under green, red, and red and blue light, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Akagi
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Toya
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Espinel-Ríos S, Morabito B, Pohlodek J, Bettenbrock K, Klamt S, Findeisen R. Toward a modeling, optimization, and predictive control framework for fed-batch metabolic cybergenetics. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:366-379. [PMID: 37942516 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28575] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Biotechnology offers many opportunities for the sustainable manufacturing of valuable products. The toolbox to optimize bioprocesses includes extracellular process elements such as the bioreactor design and mode of operation, medium formulation, culture conditions, feeding rates, and so on. However, these elements are frequently insufficient for achieving optimal process performance or precise product composition. One can use metabolic and genetic engineering methods for optimization at the intracellular level. Nevertheless, those are often of static nature, failing when applied to dynamic processes or if disturbances occur. Furthermore, many bioprocesses are optimized empirically and implemented with little-to-no feedback control to counteract disturbances. The concept of cybergenetics has opened new possibilities to optimize bioprocesses by enabling online modulation of the gene expression of metabolism-relevant proteins via external inputs (e.g., light intensity in optogenetics). Here, we fuse cybergenetics with model-based optimization and predictive control for optimizing dynamic bioprocesses. To do so, we propose to use dynamic constraint-based models that integrate the dynamics of metabolic reactions, resource allocation, and inducible gene expression. We formulate a model-based optimal control problem to find the optimal process inputs. Furthermore, we propose using model predictive control to address uncertainties via online feedback. We focus on fed-batch processes, where the substrate feeding rate is an additional optimization variable. As a simulation example, we show the optogenetic control of the ATPase enzyme complex for dynamic modulation of enforced ATP wasting to adjust product yield and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Espinel-Ríos
- Analysis and Redesign of Biological Networks, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Morabito
- Yokogawa Insilico Biotechnology GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Johannes Pohlodek
- Control and Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Katja Bettenbrock
- Analysis and Redesign of Biological Networks, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Klamt
- Analysis and Redesign of Biological Networks, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Findeisen
- Control and Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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8
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Jiang T, Li C, Teng Y, Zhang J, Logan DA, Yan Y. Dynamic Metabolic Control: From the Perspective of Regulation Logic. SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY AND ENGINEERING 2023; 1:10012. [PMID: 38572077 PMCID: PMC10986841 DOI: 10.35534/sbe.2023.10012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Establishing microbial cell factories has become a sustainable and increasingly promising approach for the synthesis of valuable chemicals. However, introducing heterologous pathways into these cell factories can disrupt the endogenous cellular metabolism, leading to suboptimal production performance. To address this challenge, dynamic pathway regulation has been developed and proven effective in improving microbial biosynthesis. In this review, we summarized typical dynamic regulation strategies based on their control logic. The applicable scenarios for each control logic were highlighted and perspectives for future research direction in this area were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Jiang
- School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chenyi Li
- School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yuxi Teng
- School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jianli Zhang
- School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Diana Alexis Logan
- School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yajun Yan
- School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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9
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Sheets MB, Tague N, Dunlop MJ. An optogenetic toolkit for light-inducible antibiotic resistance. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1034. [PMID: 36823420 PMCID: PMC9950086 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are a key control mechanism for synthetic biology and microbiology. Resistance genes are used to select desired cells and regulate bacterial populations, however their use to-date has been largely static. Precise spatiotemporal control of antibiotic resistance could enable a wide variety of applications that require dynamic control of susceptibility and survival. Here, we use light-inducible Cre recombinase to activate expression of drug resistance genes in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate light-activated resistance to four antibiotics: carbenicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. Cells exposed to blue light survive in the presence of lethal antibiotic concentrations, while those kept in the dark do not. To optimize resistance induction, we vary promoter, ribosome binding site, and enzyme variant strength using chromosome and plasmid-based constructs. We then link inducible resistance to expression of a heterologous fatty acid enzyme to increase production of octanoic acid. These optogenetic resistance tools pave the way for spatiotemporal control of cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Sheets
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Nathan Tague
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mary J Dunlop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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10
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Volk MJ, Tran VG, Tan SI, Mishra S, Fatma Z, Boob A, Li H, Xue P, Martin TA, Zhao H. Metabolic Engineering: Methodologies and Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 123:5521-5570. [PMID: 36584306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering aims to improve the production of economically valuable molecules through the genetic manipulation of microbial metabolism. While the discipline is a little over 30 years old, advancements in metabolic engineering have given way to industrial-level molecule production benefitting multiple industries such as chemical, agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, and energy industries. This review describes the design, build, test, and learn steps necessary for leading a successful metabolic engineering campaign. Moreover, we highlight major applications of metabolic engineering, including synthesizing chemicals and fuels, broadening substrate utilization, and improving host robustness with a focus on specific case studies. Finally, we conclude with a discussion on perspectives and future challenges related to metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Volk
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Vinh G Tran
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Shih-I Tan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Shekhar Mishra
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Zia Fatma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Aashutosh Boob
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Hongxiang Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Pu Xue
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Teresa A Martin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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11
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Wegner SA, Barocio-Galindo RM, Avalos JL. The bright frontiers of microbial metabolic optogenetics. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 71:102207. [PMID: 36103753 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, light-responsive systems from the field of optogenetics have been applied to several areas of metabolic engineering with remarkable success. By taking advantage of light's high tunability, reversibility, and orthogonality to host endogenous processes, optogenetic systems have enabled unprecedented dynamical controls of microbial fermentations for chemical production, metabolic flux analysis, and population compositions in co-cultures. In this article, we share our opinions on the current state of this new field of metabolic optogenetics.We make the case that it will continue to impact metabolic engineering in increasingly new directions, with the potential to challenge existing paradigms for metabolic pathway and strain optimization as well as bioreactor operation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José L Avalos
- Department of Molecular Biology, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, USA; The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, USA; High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544, USA.
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12
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Abstract
Chemical biosensors are an increasingly ubiquitous part of our lives. Beyond enzyme-coupled assays, recent synthetic biology advances now allow us to hijack more complex biosensing systems to respond to difficult to detect analytes, such as chemical small molecules. Here, we briefly overview recent advances in the biosensing of small molecules, including nucleic acid aptamers, allosteric transcription factors, and two-component systems. We then look more closely at a recently developed chemical sensing system, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-based sensors. Finally, we consider the chemical sensing capabilities of the largest GPCR subfamily, olfactory receptors (ORs). We examine ORs' role in nature, their potential as a biomedical target, and their ability to detect compounds not amenable for detection using other biological scaffolds. We conclude by evaluating the current challenges, opportunities, and future applications of GPCR- and OR-based sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amisha Patel
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Pamela Peralta-Yahya
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States,School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States,E-mail:
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13
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Ohlendorf R, Möglich A. Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1029403. [PMID: 36312534 PMCID: PMC9614035 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1029403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous photoreceptors and genetic circuits emerged over the past two decades and now enable the light-dependent i.e., optogenetic, regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Prompted by light cues in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, gene expression can be up- or downregulated stringently, reversibly, non-invasively, and with precision in space and time. Here, we survey the underlying principles, available options, and prominent examples of optogenetically regulated gene expression in bacteria. While transcription initiation and elongation remain most important for optogenetic intervention, other processes e.g., translation and downstream events, were also rendered light-dependent. The optogenetic control of bacterial expression predominantly employs but three fundamental strategies: light-sensitive two-component systems, oligomerization reactions, and second-messenger signaling. Certain optogenetic circuits moved beyond the proof-of-principle and stood the test of practice. They enable unprecedented applications in three major areas. First, light-dependent expression underpins novel concepts and strategies for enhanced yields in microbial production processes. Second, light-responsive bacteria can be optogenetically stimulated while residing within the bodies of animals, thus prompting the secretion of compounds that grant health benefits to the animal host. Third, optogenetics allows the generation of precisely structured, novel biomaterials. These applications jointly testify to the maturity of the optogenetic approach and serve as blueprints bound to inspire and template innovative use cases of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria. Researchers pursuing these lines can choose from an ever-growing, versatile, and efficient toolkit of optogenetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ohlendorf
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Möglich,
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14
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Biosensor-enabled pathway optimization in metabolic engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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15
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Optogenetic tools for microbial synthetic biology. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Hoffman SM, Tang AY, Avalos JL. Optogenetics Illuminates Applications in Microbial Engineering. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2022; 13:373-403. [PMID: 35320696 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-092120-092340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics has been used in a variety of microbial engineering applications, such as chemical and protein production, studies of cell physiology, and engineered microbe-host interactions. These diverse applications benefit from the precise spatiotemporal control that light affords, as well as its tunability, reversibility, and orthogonality. This combination of unique capabilities has enabled a surge of studies in recent years investigating complex biological systems with completely new approaches. We briefly describe the optogenetic tools that have been developed for microbial engineering, emphasizing the scientific advancements that they have enabled. In particular, we focus on the unique benefits and applications of implementing optogenetic control, from bacterial therapeutics to cybergenetics. Finally, we discuss future research directions, with special attention given to the development of orthogonal multichromatic controls. With an abundance of advantages offered by optogenetics, the future is bright in microbial engineering. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Volume 13 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Hoffman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA; , ,
| | - Allison Y Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA; , ,
| | - José L Avalos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA; , , .,The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Department of Molecular Biology, and High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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17
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Wang S, Luo Y, Jiang W, Li X, Qi Q, Liang Q. Development of Optogenetic Dual-Switch System for Rewiring Metabolic Flux for Polyhydroxybutyrate Production. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27030617. [PMID: 35163885 PMCID: PMC8838604 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Several strategies, including inducer addition and biosensor use, have been developed for dynamical regulation. However, the toxicity, cost, and inflexibility of existing strategies have created a demand for superior technology. In this study, we designed an optogenetic dual-switch system and applied it to increase polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production. First, an optimized chromatic acclimation sensor/regulator (RBS10–CcaS#10–CcaR) system (comprising an optimized ribosomal binding site (RBS), light sensory protein CcaS, and response regulator CcaR) was selected for a wide sensing range of approximately 10-fold between green-light activation and red-light repression. The RBS10–CcaS#10–CcaR system was combined with a blue light-activated YF1–FixJ–PhlF system (containing histidine kinase YF1, response regulator FixJ, and repressor PhlF) engineered with reduced crosstalk. Finally, the optogenetic dual-switch system was used to rewire the metabolic flux for PHB production by regulating the sequences and intervals of the citrate synthase gene (gltA) and PHB synthesis gene (phbCAB) expression. Consequently, the strain RBS34, which has high gltA expression and a time lag of 3 h, achieved the highest PHB content of 16.6 wt%, which was approximately 3-fold that of F34 (expressed at 0 h). The results indicate that the optogenetic dual-switch system was verified as a practical and convenient tool for increasing PHB production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.W.); (Y.L.); (W.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Yue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.W.); (Y.L.); (W.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.W.); (Y.L.); (W.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.W.); (Y.L.); (W.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.W.); (Y.L.); (W.J.); (X.L.)
- CAS Key Lab of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
- Correspondence: (Q.Q.); (Q.L.)
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (S.W.); (Y.L.); (W.J.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence: (Q.Q.); (Q.L.)
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18
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Optogenetic approaches in biotechnology and biomaterials. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:858-874. [PMID: 35031132 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Advances in genetic engineering, combined with the development of optical technologies, have allowed optogenetics to broaden its area of possible applications in recent years. However, the application of optogenetic tools in industry, including biotechnology and the production of biomaterials, is still limited, because each practical task requires the engineering of a specific optogenetic system. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use of optogenetic tools in the production of biofuels and valuable chemicals, the synthesis of biomedical and polymer materials, and plant agrobiology. We also offer a comprehensive analysis of the properties and industrial applicability of light-controlled and other smart biomaterials. These data allow us to outline the prospects for the future use of optogenetics in bioindustry.
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19
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Kobayashi S, Atsumi S, Ikebukuro K, Sode K, Asano R. Light-induced production of isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol by metabolically engineered cyanobacteria. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:7. [PMID: 34991586 PMCID: PMC8740407 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01732-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cyanobacteria are engineered via heterologous biosynthetic pathways to produce value-added chemicals via photosynthesis. Various chemicals have been successfully produced in engineered cyanobacteria. Chemical inducer-dependent promoters are used to induce the expression of target biosynthetic pathway genes. A chemical inducer is not ideal for large-scale reactions owing to its high cost; therefore, it is important to develop scaling-up methods to avoid their use. In this study, we designed a green light-inducible alcohol production system using the CcaS/CcaR green light gene expression system in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (PCC 6803). Results To establish the green light-inducible production of isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol (3MB) in PCC 6803, keto-acid decarboxylase (kdc) and alcohol dehydrogenase (adh) were expressed under the control of the CcaS/CcaR system. Increases in the transcription level were induced by irradiation with red and green light without severe effects on host cell growth. We found that the production of isobutanol and 3MB from carbon dioxide (CO2) was induced under red and green light illumination and was substantially repressed under red light illumination alone. Finally, production titers of isobutanol and 3MB reached 238 mg L−1 and 75 mg L−1, respectively, in 5 days under red and green light illumination, and these values are comparable to those reported in previous studies using chemical inducers. Conclusion A green light-induced alcohol production system was successfully integrated into cyanobacteria to produce value-added chemicals without using expensive chemical inducers. The green light-regulated production of isobutanol and 3MB from CO2 is eco-friendly and cost-effective. This study demonstrates that light regulation is a potential tool for producing chemicals and increases the feasibility of cyanobacterial bioprocesses. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01732-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunichi Kobayashi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Shota Atsumi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Kazunori Ikebukuro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Koji Sode
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ryutaro Asano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.
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20
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Lazar JT, Tabor JJ. Bacterial two-component systems as sensors for synthetic biology applications. CURRENT OPINION IN SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2021; 28:100398. [PMID: 34917859 PMCID: PMC8670732 DOI: 10.1016/j.coisb.2021.100398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Two-component systems (TCSs) are a ubiquitous family of signal transduction pathways that enable bacteria to sense and respond to diverse physical, chemical, and biological stimuli outside and inside the cell. Synthetic biologists have begun to repurpose TCSs for applications in optogenetics, materials science, gut microbiome engineering, and soil nutrient biosensing, among others. New engineering methods including genetic refactoring, DNA-binding domain swapping, detection threshold tuning, and phosphorylation cross-talk insulation are being used to increase the reliability of TCS sensor performance and tailor TCS signaling properties to the requirements of specific applications. There is now potential to combine these methods with large-scale gene synthesis and laboratory screening to discover the inputs sensed by many uncharacterized TCSs and develop a large new family of genetically-encoded sensors that respond to an unrivaled breadth of stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Lazar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Tabor
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- PhD Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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21
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Lindner F, Diepold A. Optogenetics in bacteria - applications and opportunities. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 46:6427354. [PMID: 34791201 PMCID: PMC8892541 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics holds the promise of controlling biological processes with superb temporal and spatial resolution at minimal perturbation. Although many of the light-reactive proteins used in optogenetic systems are derived from prokaryotes, applications were largely limited to eukaryotes for a long time. In recent years, however, an increasing number of microbiologists use optogenetics as a powerful new tool to study and control key aspects of bacterial biology in a fast and often reversible manner. After a brief discussion of optogenetic principles, this review provides an overview of the rapidly growing number of optogenetic applications in bacteria, with a particular focus on studies venturing beyond transcriptional control. To guide future experiments, we highlight helpful tools, provide considerations for successful application of optogenetics in bacterial systems, and identify particular opportunities and challenges that arise when applying these approaches in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lindner
- Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Ecophysiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Diepold
- Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Ecophysiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany.,SYNMIKRO, LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
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22
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Shimizu H, Toya Y. Recent advances in metabolic engineering-integration of in silico design and experimental analysis of metabolic pathways. J Biosci Bioeng 2021; 132:429-436. [PMID: 34509367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms are widely used to produce valuable compounds. Because thousands of metabolic reactions occur simultaneously and many metabolic reactions are related to target production and cell growth, the development of a rational design method for metabolic pathway modification to optimize target production is needed. In this paper, recent advances in metabolic engineering are reviewed, specifically considering computational pathway modification design and experimental evaluation of metabolic fluxes by 13C-metabolic flux analysis. Computational tools for seeking effective gene deletion targets and recruiting heterologous genes are described in flux balance analysis approaches. A kinetic model and adaptive laboratory evolution were applied to identify and eliminate the rate-limiting step in metabolic pathways. Data science-based approaches for process monitoring and control are described to maximize the performance of engineered cells in bioreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Toya
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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23
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Xu Y, Wu Y, Lv X, Sun G, Zhang H, Chen T, Du G, Li J, Liu L. Design and construction of novel biocatalyst for bioprocessing: Recent advances and future outlook. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 332:125071. [PMID: 33826982 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioprocess, a biocatalysis-based technology, is becoming popular in many research fields and widely applied in industrial manufacturing. However, low bioconversion, low productivity, and high costs during industrial processes are usually the limitation in bioprocess. Therefore, many biocatalyst strategies have been developed to meet these challenges in recent years. In this review, we firstly discuss protein engineering strategies, which are emerged for improving the biocatalysis activity of biocatalysts. Then, we summarize metabolic engineering strategies that are promoting the development of microbial cell factories. Next, we illustrate the necessity of using the combining strategy of protein engineering and metabolic engineering for efficient biocatalysts. Lastly, future perspectives about the development and application of novel biocatalyst strategies are discussed. This review provides theoretical guidance for the development of efficient, sustainable, and economical bioprocesses mediated by novel biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yameng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Yaokang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Xueqin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Guoyun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Hongzhi Zhang
- Shandong Runde Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Tai'an 271000, PR China
| | - Taichi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China.
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24
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Liu X. Effects of Methyl Donors on L-Tryptophan Fermentation. Bioengineered 2021:21655979.2021.1882821. [PMID: 33522354 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1882821] [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: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl donors, a class of compounds that supply methyl groups to methyl acceptors, play important roles in the function, growth, and proliferation of cells; however, the methyl donor content in cells is not sufficient to meet their normal needs. In L-tryptophan production with E. coli, the growth and acid-producing ability of E. coli cells are weak due to the presence of exogenous plasmids that inhibit the growth of E. coli, and reduce the efficiency of exogenous gene expression. Therefore, the effect of methyl donors on L-tryptophan production was investigated. Among the methyl donors tested, choline chloride showed the most significant effect in promoting fermentation, followed by methionine. The optimum addition method involved the addition of 1.5 g/L methionine to the culture medium, combined with continuous feeding with a glucose solution containing 1 g/L choline chloride. The final tryptophan titer reached 53.5 g/L; the highest biomass of bacteria reached 51.8 g/L; and the main by-product, acetic acid, was reduced to 2.23 g/L, which had a significant impact on the fermentation results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Liu
- Department of Life Science of Shanxi Datong University, Datong Shanxi 037009, China
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25
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Hartsough LA, Park M, Kotlajich MV, Lazar JT, Han B, Lin CCJ, Musteata E, Gambill L, Wang MC, Tabor JJ. Optogenetic control of gut bacterial metabolism to promote longevity. eLife 2020; 9:56849. [PMID: 33325823 PMCID: PMC7744093 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbial metabolism is associated with host longevity. However, because it requires direct manipulation of microbial metabolism in situ, establishing a causal link between these two processes remains challenging. We demonstrate an optogenetic method to control gene expression and metabolite production from bacteria residing in the host gut. We genetically engineer an Escherichia coli strain that secretes colanic acid (CA) under the quantitative control of light. Using this optogenetically-controlled strain to induce CA production directly in the Caenorhabditis elegans gut, we reveal the local effect of CA in protecting intestinal mitochondria from stress-induced hyper-fragmentation. We also demonstrate that the lifespan-extending effect of this strain is positively correlated with the intensity of green light, indicating a dose-dependent CA benefit on the host. Thus, optogenetics can be used to achieve quantitative and temporal control of gut bacterial metabolism in order to reveal its local and systemic effects on host health and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John Tyler Lazar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Houston, United States
| | - Bing Han
- Huffington Center on Aging, Houston, United States
| | - Chih-Chun J Lin
- Huffington Center on Aging, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Elena Musteata
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Lauren Gambill
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Meng C Wang
- Huffington Center on Aging, Houston, United States.,Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Tabor
- Department of Bioengineering, Houston, United States.,Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, United States.,Department of Biosciences, Houston, United States
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26
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Li S, Li Z, Pang S, Xiang W, Wang W. Coordinating precursor supply for pharmaceutical polyketide production in Streptomyces. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 69:26-34. [PMID: 33316577 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The widely used polyketide pharmaceuticals in medicine and agriculture are mainly produced by Streptomyces species. These compounds, as secondary metabolites, are not involved in essential cellular processes and are usually produced during the stationary phase of fermentation. Consequently, their yields and productivities are often low and frequently limited by the availability of the precursors. The precursor pathways, therefore, are key entities for synthetic biology-driven design and optimization. We discuss recent advances in precursor engineering, in both Streptomyces and other bacteria, focusing on the diverse native and heterologous precursor pathways that could be rewired for polyketide titer improvement. We also highlight the coordination of other required factors to direct the precursors towards polyketide biosynthesis. The precursor-supply enhancement tools and strategies covered in this review will facilitate the design and construction of synthetic Streptomyces 'cell-factories' for efficient polyketide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Zilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shen Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wensheng Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Weishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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27
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Pouzet S, Banderas A, Le Bec M, Lautier T, Truan G, Hersen P. The Promise of Optogenetics for Bioproduction: Dynamic Control Strategies and Scale-Up Instruments. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E151. [PMID: 33255280 PMCID: PMC7712799 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in metabolic engineering and synthetic and systems biology has made bioproduction an increasingly attractive and competitive strategy for synthesizing biomolecules, recombinant proteins and biofuels from renewable feedstocks. Yet, due to poor productivity, it remains difficult to make a bioproduction process economically viable at large scale. Achieving dynamic control of cellular processes could lead to even better yields by balancing the two characteristic phases of bioproduction, namely, growth versus production, which lie at the heart of a trade-off that substantially impacts productivity. The versatility and controllability offered by light will be a key element in attaining the level of control desired. The popularity of light-mediated control is increasing, with an expanding repertoire of optogenetic systems for novel applications, and many optogenetic devices have been designed to test optogenetic strains at various culture scales for bioproduction objectives. In this review, we aim to highlight the most important advances in this direction. We discuss how optogenetics is currently applied to control metabolism in the context of bioproduction, describe the optogenetic instruments and devices used at the laboratory scale for strain development, and explore how current industrial-scale bioproduction processes could be adapted for optogenetics or could benefit from existing photobioreactor designs. We then draw attention to the steps that must be undertaken to further optimize the control of biological systems in order to take full advantage of the potential offered by microbial factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Pouzet
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 26 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (A.B.); (M.L.B.)
- Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
- Laboratoire MSC, UMR7057, Université Paris Diderot-CNRS, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alvaro Banderas
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 26 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (A.B.); (M.L.B.)
- Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
- Laboratoire MSC, UMR7057, Université Paris Diderot-CNRS, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Matthias Le Bec
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 26 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (A.B.); (M.L.B.)
- Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
- Laboratoire MSC, UMR7057, Université Paris Diderot-CNRS, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Lautier
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 31400 Toulouse, France; (T.L.); (G.T.)
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Gilles Truan
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 31400 Toulouse, France; (T.L.); (G.T.)
| | - Pascal Hersen
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 26 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; (A.B.); (M.L.B.)
- Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
- Laboratoire MSC, UMR7057, Université Paris Diderot-CNRS, 75013 Paris, France
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Carrasco-López C, García-Echauri SA, Kichuk T, Avalos JL. Optogenetics and biosensors set the stage for metabolic cybergenetics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:296-309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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29
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Villafani Y, Yang HW, Park YI. Color Sensing and Signal Transmission Diversity of Cyanobacterial Phytochromes and Cyanobacteriochromes. Mol Cells 2020; 43:509-516. [PMID: 32438780 PMCID: PMC7332365 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To perceive fluctuations in light quality, quantity, and timing, higher plants have evolved diverse photoreceptors including UVR8 (a UV-B photoreceptor), cryptochromes, phototropins, and phytochromes (Phys). In contrast to plants, prokaryotic oxygen-evolving photosynthetic organisms, cyanobacteria, rely mostly on bilin-based photoreceptors, namely, cyanobacterial phytochromes (Cphs) and cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs), which exhibit structural and functional differences compared with plant Phys. CBCRs comprise varying numbers of light sensing domains with diverse color-tuning mechanisms and signal transmission pathways, allowing cyanobacteria to respond to UV-A, visible, and far-red lights. Recent genomic surveys of filamentous cyanobacteria revealed novel CBCRs with broader chromophore-binding specificity and photocycle protochromicity. Furthermore, a novel Cph lineage has been identified that absorbs blue-violet/yellow-orange light. In this minireview, we briefly discuss the diversity in color sensing and signal transmission mechanisms of Cphs and CBCRs, along with their potential utility in the field of optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Villafani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Hee Wook Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Youn-Il Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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30
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Gawne R, McKenna KZ, Levin M. Competitive and Coordinative Interactions between Body Parts Produce Adaptive Developmental Outcomes. Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900245. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gawne
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University Medford MA 02155
| | - Kenneth Z. McKenna
- Division of Biological SciencesSection of Cellular and Developmental BiologyUniversity of California San Diego La Jolla CA 92093
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University Medford MA 02155
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31
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Flux controlling technology for central carbon metabolism for efficient microbial bio-production. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 64:169-174. [PMID: 32485613 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Syntheses of many commodities that are produced using microorganisms require cofactors such as ATP and NAD(P)H. Thus, optimization of the flux distribution in central carbon metabolism, which plays a key role in cofactor regeneration, is critical for enhancing the production of the target compounds. Since the intracellular and extracellular conditions change over time in the fermentation process, dynamic control of the metabolic system for maintaining the cellular state appropriately is necessary. Here, we review techniques for detecting the intracellular metabolic state with fluorescent sensors and controlling the flux of central carbon metabolism with optogenetic tools, as well as present a prospect of bio-production processes for fine-tuning the flux distribution.
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32
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Fritze J, Zhang M, Luo Q, Lu X. An overview of the bacterial SsrA system modulating intracellular protein levels and activities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:5229-5241. [PMID: 32342145 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In bacteria, the truncated forms of mRNAs, which usually lack a stop codon, are occasionally generated by premature termination of gene transcription and/or endo- or exonucleolytic cleavage events. Ribosomes proceeding on these molecules stall at the 3' end of the chain and are rescued by a widely distributed mechanism known as trans-translation, which includes two essential elements, ssrA RNA (a special RNA) and SmpB (a small protein). Through this mechanism, the polypeptides translated from truncated mRNAs are marked by a short peptide, known as SsrA tag, at their C-termini and directed to the specific endogenous proteases for C-terminal proteolysis. Based on the deep understanding of the SsrA tagging and degradation mechanisms, recently a series of SsrA-based genetic tools have been developed for gene regulation on the level of post-translation. They are successfully applied for controllable regulation of biological circuits in bacteria. In the present article, we systematically summarize the history, structural characteristics, and functional mechanisms of the SsrA tagging and degrading machineries, as well as their technical uses and limitations.Key Points• SsrA system plays an important role in ribosome rescue in bacteria.• SsrA-based genetic tools are useful for controlling protein levels and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Fritze
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mingyi Zhang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Luo
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xuefeng Lu
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China. .,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China. .,Marine Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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33
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Gale GAR, Schiavon Osorio AA, Mills LA, Wang B, Lea-Smith DJ, McCormick AJ. Emerging Species and Genome Editing Tools: Future Prospects in Cyanobacterial Synthetic Biology. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E409. [PMID: 31569579 PMCID: PMC6843473 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology and an emerging algal biotechnology market have spurred a prolific increase in the availability of molecular tools for cyanobacterial research. Nevertheless, work to date has focused primarily on only a small subset of model species, which arguably limits fundamental discovery and applied research towards wider commercialisation. Here, we review the requirements for uptake of new strains, including several recently characterised fast-growing species and promising non-model species. Furthermore, we discuss the potential applications of new techniques available for transformation, genetic engineering and regulation, including an up-to-date appraisal of current Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) research in cyanobacteria. We also provide an overview of several exciting molecular tools that could be ported to cyanobacteria for more advanced metabolic engineering approaches (e.g., genetic circuit design). Lastly, we introduce a forthcoming mutant library for the model species Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 that promises to provide a further powerful resource for the cyanobacterial research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant A R Gale
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
| | - Alejandra A Schiavon Osorio
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
| | - Lauren A Mills
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Baojun Wang
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
| | - David J Lea-Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
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