1
|
Tao M, Yang L, Zhao C, Zhao M, Zhang W, Zhu Y, Mu W. Implementation of a Quorum-Sensing System for Highly Efficient Biosynthesis of Lacto- N-neotetraose in Engineered Escherichia coli MG1655. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7179-7186. [PMID: 38520358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), a prominent neutral human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), serves as a pivotal structural element in complex HMO biosynthesis. Given its promising health effects for infants, the biosynthesis of LNnT is garnering greater interest. Using a previously engineered strain as a chassis, a highly effective LNnT producer was constructed. First, LNnT synthesis in Escherichia coli MG1655 was achieved by introducing β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase LgtA and β1,4-galactosyltransferase CpsIaJ, coupled with the optimization of enzyme expression levels using various promoters. Subsequently, ugd underwent disruption, and the galE gene was enhanced by replacing its promoter with PJ23119 or Ptac. Then, a lux-type quorum sensing (QS) system was applied to achieve varied metabolic regulation. Additionally, systematic optimization of the QS promoters was conducted to further improve the LNnT titer in the shake flask. Finally, the extracellular titer of LNnT was 20.33 g/L, accompanied by a productivity of 0.41 g/L/h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Longhao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Zhao
- Bloomature Biotechnology Corporation, Limited, Beijing 102629, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin X, Gao Y, Chen X, Wang S, Qi Q, Liang Q. The Construction of the Self-Induced Sal System and Its Application in Salicylic Acid Production. Molecules 2023; 28:7825. [PMID: 38067556 PMCID: PMC10708014 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The design and construction of more complex and delicate genetic control circuits suffer from poor orthogonality in quorum sensing (QS) systems. The Sal system, which relies on salicylic acid as a signaling molecule, is an artificially engineered regulatory system with a structure that differs significantly from that of natural QS signaling molecules. Salicylic acid is an important drug precursor, mainly used in the production of drugs such as aspirin and anti-HIV drugs. However, there have been no reports on the construction of a self-induced Sal system in single cells. In this study, a high-copy plasmid backbone was used to construct the regulatory proteins and a self-induced promoter of salicylic acid in E. coli by adjusting the precise regulation of key gene expression; the sensitivity and induction range of this system were improved. Subsequently, the exogenous gene pchBA was introduced in E. coli to extend the shikimate pathway and synthesize salicylic acid, resulting in the construction of the first complete self-induced Sal system. Finally, the self-induced Sal System was combined with artificial trans-encoded sRNAs (atsRNAs) to repress the growth-essential gene ppc and accumulate the precursor substance PEP, thereby increasing the titer of salicylic acid by 151%. This construction of a self-induced artificial system introduces a new tool for selecting communication tools and induction systems in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, but also demonstrates a self-inducible pathway design strategy for salicylic acid biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (X.J.); (Y.G.); (X.C.); (S.W.); (Q.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li X, Qi Q, Liang Q. Construction of cascade circuits for dynamic temporal regulation and its application to PHB production. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:158. [PMID: 37891579 PMCID: PMC10604415 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To maximize the production capacity and yield of microbial cell factories, metabolic pathways are generally modified with dynamic regulatory strategies, which can effectively solve the problems of low biological yield, growth retardation and metabolic imbalance. However, the strategy of dynamic regulating multiple genes in different time and order is still not effectively solved. Based on the quorum-sensing (QS) system and the principle of cascade regulation, we studied the sequence and time interval of gene expression in metabolic pathways. RESULTS We designed and constructed a self-induced dynamic temporal regulatory cascade circuit in Escherichia coli using the QS system and dual regulatory protein cascade and found that the time intervals of the cascade circuits based on the Tra, Las system and the Lux, Tra system reached 200 min and 150 min, respectively. Furthermore, a dynamic temporal regulatory cascade circuit library with time intervals ranging from 110 to 310 min was obtained based on this circuit using promoter engineering and ribosome binding site replacement, which can provide more selective synthetic biology universal components for metabolic applications. Finally, poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) production was taken as an example to demonstrate the performance of the cascade circuit library. The content of PHB increased 1.5-fold. Moreover, circuits with different time intervals and different expression orders were found to have different potentials for application in PHB production, and the preferred time-interval circuit strain C2-max was identified by screening. CONCLUSIONS The self-induced dynamic temporal regulation cascade circuit library can enable the expression of target genes with sequential changes at different times, effectively solving the balance problem between cell growth and product synthesis in two-stage fermentation and expanding the application of dynamic regulatory strategies in the field of metabolic engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
- The Second Laboratory of Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, Lanzhou, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cao Z, Liu Z, Zhang G, Mao X. P mutants with different promoting period and their application for quorum sensing regulated protein expression. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2023.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
|
5
|
Cao Z, Liu Z, Mao X. Application of Quorum Sensing in Metabolic Engineering. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:5062-5074. [PMID: 36967589 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering is widely utilized in the food and other fields and has the benefits of low-cost substrates, eco-friendly fermentation processes, and efficient substrate synthesis. Microbial synthesis by metabolic engineering requires maintaining the productive capacity of the microorganism. Moreover, economic reasons limit the use of inducers in the exogenous synthesis pathway. Most unicellular microorganisms can interact by emitting signaling molecules; this mechanism, known as quorum sensing (QS), is an autoinduced system of microorganisms. With the deepening research on QS systems of different microorganisms, its components are widely used to regulate the metabolic synthesis of microorganisms as a dynamic regulatory system. In this Review, we described the typical bacterial QS mechanisms. Then, we summarized various regulatory strategies for QS and their applications to metabolic engineering. Finally, we underlined the potential for QS modularity in future metabolic engineering and suggested stimulating research on fungal QS systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoning Cao
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Xiangzhao Mao
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, Qingdao 266404, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu W, Xu X, Jin K, Liu Y, Li J, Du G, Lv X, Liu L. Genetically encoded biosensors for microbial synthetic biology: From conceptual frameworks to practical applications. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 62:108077. [PMID: 36502964 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors are the vital components of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, as they are regarded as powerful devices for the dynamic control of genotype metabolism and evolution/screening of desirable phenotypes. This review summarized the recent advances in the construction and applications of different genetically encoded biosensors, including fluorescent protein-based biosensors, nucleic acid-based biosensors, allosteric transcription factor-based biosensors and two-component system-based biosensors. First, the construction frameworks of these biosensors were outlined. Then, the recent progress of biosensor applications in creating versatile microbial cell factories for the bioproduction of high-value chemicals was summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects for constructing robust and sophisticated biosensors were discussed. This review provided theoretical guidance for constructing genetically encoded biosensors to create desirable microbial cell factories for sustainable bioproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xianhao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Ke Jin
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xueqin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gu P, Ma Q, Zhao S, Gao J, Li C, Zhou H, Jiang S, Li Q. Application of quorum sensing system in microbial synthesis of valuable chemicals: a mini-review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:192. [PMID: 35978255 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03382-6] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
With advantages of low substrates cost, high optical purity of end products and environmentally friendly fermentation process, microbial production of valuable chemicals grow rapidly. Compared with static microbial strain engineering strategies, such as gene deletion, overexpression and mutation, dynamic pathway regulation is a new approach that balances cellular growth and chemical production. Quorum sensing is a natural microbial communication system responsible for cell-density-related cell behaviors. Accordingly, quorum sensing systems can be employed to achieve dynamic regulation in microorganisms without the need for manual intervention or the use of chemical inducers. In this review, natural quorum sensing systems are firstly summarized. Then, recent progress in using quorum sensing circuits in the field of metabolic engineering is highlighted. The current application challenges of quorum sensing systems and future perspectives in microbial synthesis of chemicals are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Gu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qianqian Ma
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Gao
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Changtao Li
- RZBC GROUP CO., LTD., Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- RZBC GROUP CO., LTD., Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | | | - Qiang Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guo H, Liu H, Jin Y, Zhang R, Yu Y, Deng L, Wang F. Advances in research on the bio-production of 1,4-butanediol by the engineered microbes. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
9
|
Han L, Liu X, Cheng Z, Cui W, Guo J, Yin J, Zhou Z. Construction and Application of a High-Throughput In Vivo Screening Platform for the Evolution of Nitrile Metabolism-Related Enzymes Based on a Desensitized Repressive Biosensor. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1577-1587. [PMID: 35266713 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00642] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor (TF)-based biosensors are expected to serve as powerful tools for the high-throughput screening of biocatalytic systems; however, most of them respond to ligands in a narrow concentration range, which limits their application. In this study, we constructed a heterogenous niacin biosensor using the repressive TF BsNadR and its target promoters from Bacillus subtilis. The fine-tunable output of the niacin biosensor was expanded to a wide range of niacin concentrations (0-50 mM) through desensitization engineering, which was suitable for the accurate identification of differences in enzyme activity. Structural mechanism analysis indicated that weakening the affinity of BsNadR with the ligand niacin and with DNA alters its regulatory properties. Based on the desensitized niacin biosensor, a high-throughput in vivo screening platform was developed for evolving nitrile metabolism-related enzymes. The evolved nitrilase, amidase, and nitrile hydratase with 6.6-, 2.1-, and 21.3-fold improvements in activity were achieved, respectively. In addition, these mutants also exhibited elevated activity toward other cognate substrates, indicating the broad applicability of the screening platform. This study not only provided a universal high-throughput screening platform for different nitrile metabolism-related enzymes but also demonstrated the advantages of repressive biosensors and the vital role of desensitization engineering of the TF in the development of high-throughput screening platforms for enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laichuang Han
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhongyi Cheng
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wenjing Cui
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Junling Guo
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jian Yin
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhemin Zhou
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Refactoring transcription factors for metabolic engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 57:107935. [PMID: 35271945 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Due to the ability to regulate target metabolic pathways globally and dynamically, metabolic regulation systems composed of transcription factors have been widely used in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. This review introduced the categories, action principles, prediction strategies, and related databases of transcription factors. Then, the application of global transcription machinery engineering technology and the transcription factor-based biosensors and quorum sensing systems are overviewed. In addition, strategies for optimizing the transcriptional regulatory tools' performance by refactoring transcription factors are summarized. Finally, the current limitations and prospects of constructing various regulatory tools based on transcription factors are discussed. This review will provide theoretical guidance for the rational design and construction of transcription factor-based metabolic regulation systems.
Collapse
|
11
|
Vaiana CA, Kim H, Cottet J, Oai K, Ge Z, Conforti K, King AM, Meyer AJ, Chen H, Voigt CA, Buie CR. Characterizing chemical signaling between engineered "microbial sentinels" in porous microplates. Mol Syst Biol 2022; 18:e10785. [PMID: 35315586 PMCID: PMC8938921 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202110785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Living materials combine a material scaffold, that is often porous, with engineered cells that perform sensing, computing, and biosynthetic tasks. Designing such systems is difficult because little is known regarding signaling transport parameters in the material. Here, the development of a porous microplate is presented. Hydrogel barriers between wells have a porosity of 60% and a tortuosity factor of 1.6, allowing molecular diffusion between wells. The permeability of dyes, antibiotics, inducers, and quorum signals between wells were characterized. A "sentinel" strain was constructed by introducing orthogonal sensors into the genome of Escherichia coli MG1655 for IPTG, anhydrotetracycline, L-arabinose, and four quorum signals. The strain's response to inducer diffusion through the wells was quantified up to 14 mm, and quorum and antibacterial signaling were measured over 16 h. Signaling distance is dictated by hydrogel adsorption, quantified using a linear finite element model that yields adsorption coefficients from 0 to 0.1 mol m-3 . Parameters derived herein will aid the design of living materials for pathogen remediation, computation, and self-organizing biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Vaiana
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
- Synthetic Biology CenterDepartment of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Hyungseok Kim
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Jonathan Cottet
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Keiko Oai
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Zhifei Ge
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Kameron Conforti
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Andrew M King
- Synthetic Biology CenterDepartment of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Adam J Meyer
- Synthetic Biology CenterDepartment of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Haorong Chen
- Synthetic Biology CenterDepartment of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Synthetic Biology CenterDepartment of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Cullen R Buie
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Metabolic engineering reprograms cells to synthesize value-added products. In doing so, endogenous genes are altered and heterologous genes can be introduced to achieve the necessary enzymatic reactions. Dynamic regulation of metabolic flux is a powerful control scheme to alleviate and overcome the competing cellular objectives that arise from the introduction of these production pathways. This review explores dynamic regulation strategies that have demonstrated significant production benefits by targeting the metabolic node corresponding to a specific challenge. We summarize the stimulus-responsive control circuits employed in these strategies that determine the criterion for actuating a dynamic response and then examine the points of control that couple the stimulus-responsive circuit to a shift in metabolic flux.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Ni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Christina V Dinh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Kristala L J Prather
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang X, Liu J, Zhang J, Shen Y, Qi Q, Bao X, Hou J. Quorum sensing-mediated protein degradation for dynamic metabolic pathway control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Metab Eng 2021; 64:85-94. [PMID: 33545357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic regulation has been widely applied to optimize metabolic flux distribution. However, compared with prokaryotes, quorum sensing-mediated pathway control is still very limited in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we designed quorum sensing-regulated protein degradation circuits for dynamic metabolic pathway control in S. cerevisiae. The synthetic quorum sensing circuits were developed by integration of a plant hormone cytokinin system with the endogenous yeast Ypd1-Skn7 signal transduction pathway and the positive feedback circuits were optimized by promoter engineering. We then constructed an auxin-inducible protein degradation system and used quorum sensing circuits to regulate auxin synthesis to achieve dynamic control of protein degradation. As a demonstration, the circuits were applied to control Erg9 degradation to produce α-farnesene and the titer of α-farnesene increased by 80%. The population-regulated protein degradation system developed here extends dynamic regulation to the protein level in S. cerevisiae and is a promising approach for metabolic pathway control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Jianhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Yu Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, School of Bioengineering, Qi Lu University of Technology, Jinan, 250353, PR China
| | - Jin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hartline CJ, Schmitz AC, Han Y, Zhang F. Dynamic control in metabolic engineering: Theories, tools, and applications. Metab Eng 2021; 63:126-140. [PMID: 32927059 PMCID: PMC8015268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering has allowed the production of a diverse number of valuable chemicals using microbial organisms. Many biological challenges for improving bio-production exist which limit performance and slow the commercialization of metabolically engineered systems. Dynamic metabolic engineering is a rapidly developing field that seeks to address these challenges through the design of genetically encoded metabolic control systems which allow cells to autonomously adjust their flux in response to their external and internal metabolic state. This review first discusses theoretical works which provide mechanistic insights and design choices for dynamic control systems including two-stage, continuous, and population behavior control strategies. Next, we summarize molecular mechanisms for various sensors and actuators which enable dynamic metabolic control in microbial systems. Finally, important applications of dynamic control to the production of several metabolite products are highlighted, including fatty acids, aromatics, and terpene compounds. Altogether, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress, advances, and prospects in the design of dynamic control systems for improved titer, rate, and yield metrics in metabolic engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hartline
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Alexander C Schmitz
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Yichao Han
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Fuzhong Zhang
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA; Division of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA; Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dinh CV, Prather KLJ. Layered and multi-input autonomous dynamic control strategies for metabolic engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:156-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
17
|
Jiang W, He X, Luo Y, Mu Y, Gu F, Liang Q, Qi Q. Two Completely Orthogonal Quorum Sensing Systems with Self-Produced Autoinducers Enable Automatic Delayed Cascade Control. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2588-2599. [PMID: 32786361 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The existence of crosstalk between quorum sensing systems limits their application in a complex environment. In this study, two completely orthogonal quorum sensing systems with self-produced autoinducers were built in one cell to enable the systems to be signal orthogonal and promoter orthogonal to each other. The systems were designed on the basis of the las system from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the tra system from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Both were optimized with respect to the orthogonality of signals and promoters by using a series of synthetic biology strategies and high-throughput screening. The systems were applied intracellularly, and an automatic delayed cascade circuit was successfully demonstrated, which can realize sequential gene expression without exogenous inducer. This circuit provides a new tool for biotechnological applications, such as metabolic regulation, that require sequential gene control. This cascade model expands the toolkit of synthetic biology research and indicates a high application potential of quorum sensing systems that are orthogonal to each other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Xinyuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Yunlan Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
- CAS Key Lab of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101 Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gao C, Guo L, Ding Q, Hu G, Ye C, Liu J, Chen X, Liu L. Dynamic consolidated bioprocessing for direct production of xylonate and shikimate from xylan by Escherichia coli. Metab Eng 2020; 60:128-137. [PMID: 32315760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous value-added chemicals can be produced using xylan as a feedstock. However, the product yields are limited by low xylan utilization efficiency, as well as by carbon flux competition between biomass production and biosynthesis. Herein, a dynamic consolidated bioprocessing strategy was developed, which coupled xylan utilization and yield optimization modules. Specifically, we achieved the efficient conversion of xylan to valuable chemicals in a fully consolidated manner by optimizing the expression level of xylanases and xylose transporter in the xylan utilization module. Moreover, a cell density-dependent, and Cre-triggered dynamic system that enabled the dynamic decoupling of biosynthesis and biomass production was constructed in the yield optimization module. The final shake flask-scale titers of xylonate, produced through an exogenous pathway, and shikimate, produced through an endogenous pathway, reached 16.85 and 3.2 g L-1, respectively. This study not only provides an efficient microbial platform for the utilization of xylan, but also opens up the possibility for the large-scale production of high value-added chemicals from renewable feedstocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Liang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Guipeng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Chao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xiulai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wu S, Liu J, Liu C, Yang A, Qiao J. Quorum sensing for population-level control of bacteria and potential therapeutic applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1319-1343. [PMID: 31612240 PMCID: PMC11104945 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a microbial cell-to-cell communication process, dynamically regulates a variety of metabolism and physiological activities. In this review, we provide an update on QS applications based on autoinducer molecules including acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), auto-inducing peptides (AIPs), autoinducer 2 (AI-2) and indole in population-level control of bacteria, and highlight the potential in developing novel clinical therapies. We summarize the development in the combination of various genetic circuits such as genetic oscillators, toggle switches and logic gates with AHL-based QS devices in Gram-negative bacteria. An overview is then offered to the state-of-the-art of much less researched applications of AIP-based QS devices with Gram-positive bacteria, followed by a review of the applications of AI-2 and indole based QS for interspecies communication among microbial communities. Building on these general-purpose QS applications, we highlight the disruptions and manipulations of QS devices as potential clinical therapies for diseases caused by biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance and the phage invasion. The last part of reviewed literature is dedicated to mathematical modelling for QS applications. Finally, the key challenges and future perspectives of QS applications in monoclonal synthetic biology and synthetic ecology are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jiaheng Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education (Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Chunjiang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Aidong Yang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK.
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education (Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gu F, Jiang W, Mu Y, Huang H, Su T, Luo Y, Liang Q, Qi Q. Quorum Sensing-Based Dual-Function Switch and Its Application in Solving Two Key Metabolic Engineering Problems. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:209-217. [PMID: 31944663 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering aims to achieve high yields of desired products. The most common strategies focus on optimization of metabolic flux distributions. The dynamic activation or inhibition of gene expression through quorum sensing (QS) has been applied to metabolic engineering. In this study, we designed and constructed a series of QS-based bifunctional dynamic switches (QS switches) capable of synchronizing the up-regulation and down-regulation of genes at different times and intervals. The bifunctional QS switches were based on the Esa QS system, because EsaR regulatory proteins can act as transcriptional activator and repressor. The QS switches' effectiveness and feasibility were verified through fluorescence characterization. Finally, the QS switches were applied to the production of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) to solve two key metabolic engineering problems: necessary gene knockout and redirection of metabolic flux. The production of PHB and ALA was increased 6- and 12-fold in Escherichia coli, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Yunlan Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Tianyuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Yue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Development of an autonomous and bifunctional quorum-sensing circuit for metabolic flux control in engineered Escherichia coli. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:25562-25568. [PMID: 31796590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911144116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic engineering seeks to reprogram microbial cells to efficiently and sustainably produce value-added compounds. Since chemical production can be at odds with the cell's natural objectives, strategies have been developed to balance conflicting goals. For example, dynamic regulation modulates gene expression to favor biomass and metabolite accumulation at low cell densities before diverting key metabolic fluxes toward product formation. To trigger changes in gene expression in a pathway-independent manner without the need for exogenous inducers, researchers have coupled gene expression to quorum-sensing (QS) circuits, which regulate transcription based on cell density. While effective, studies thus far have been limited to one control point. More challenging pathways may require layered dynamic regulation strategies, motivating the development of a generalizable tool for regulating multiple sets of genes. We have developed a QS-based regulation tool that combines components of the lux and esa QS systems to simultaneously and dynamically up- and down-regulate expression of 2 sets of genes. Characterization of the circuit revealed that varying the expression level of 2 QS components leads to predictable changes in switching dynamics and that using components from 2 QS systems allows for independent tuning capability. We applied the regulation tool to successfully address challenges in both the naringenin and salicylic acid synthesis pathways. Through these case studies, we confirmed the benefit of having multiple control points, predictable tuning capabilities, and independently tunable regulation modules.
Collapse
|
22
|
Liang J, Wei W, Yao H, Shi K, Liu H. A biocomputing platform with electrochemical and fluorescent signal outputs based on multi-sensitive copolymer film electrodes with entrapped Au nanoclusters and tetraphenylethene and electrocatalysis of NADH. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:24572-24583. [PMID: 31663551 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp03687c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this work, poly(N,N'-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymer films were polymerized on the surface of Au electrodes with a facile one-step method, and Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) and tetraphenylethene (TPE) were synchronously embedded in the films, designated as P(DMA-co-NIPA)/AuNCs/TPE. Ferrocene dicarboxylic acid (FDA), an electroactive probe in solution displayed inverse pH- and SO42--sensitive on-off cyclic voltammetric (CV) behaviors at the film electrodes. The electrocatalytic oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) mediated by FDA in solution could substantially amplify the CV response difference between the on and off states. Moreover, the two fluorescence emission (FL) signals from the TPE constituent at 450 nm and AuNCs component at 660 nm in the films also demonstrated SO42-- and pH-sensitive behaviors. Based on the aforementioned results, a 4-input/9-output biomolecular logic circuit was constructed with pH, Na2SO4, FDA and NADH as the inputs, and the CV signals and the FL responses at 450 and 660 nm at different levels as the outputs. Additionally, some functional non-Boolean devices were elaborately designed on an identical platform, including a 1-to-2 decoder, a 2-to-1 encoder, a 1-to-2 demultiplexer and different types of keypad locks. This work combines copolymer films, bioelectrocatalysis, and fluorescence together so that more complicated biocomputing systems could be established. This work may pave a new way to develop advanced and sophisticated biocomputing logic circuits and functional devices in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiying Liang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yan H, Asfahl KL, Li N, Sun F, Xiao J, Shen D, Dandekar AA, Wang M. Conditional quorum-sensing induction of a cyanide-insensitive terminal oxidase stabilizes cooperating populations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4999. [PMID: 31676850 PMCID: PMC6825135 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen of humans, uses quorum sensing (QS) to regulate the production of extracellular products that can benefit all members of the population. P. aeruginosa can police QS-deficient cheaters by producing hydrogen cyanide, which is also QS regulated; however, the mechanism by which cooperators selectively protect themselves from the toxicity of cyanide remained unresolved. Here, we show that a cyanide-insensitive terminal oxidase encoded by cioAB provides resistance to cyanide, but only in QS-proficient strains. QS-deficient cheaters do not activate cioAB transcription. QS-mediated regulation of cioAB expression depends on production of both cyanide by cooperators (which is QS regulated) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from cheaters (which is not QS regulated). This type of regulatory system allows cooperating populations to respond, via ROS, to the presence of cheaters, and might allow them to defer the substantial metabolic cost of policing until cheaters are present in the population. Quorum sensing (QS) regulates production of ‘public goods’ by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which releases toxic hydrogen cyanide to constrain QS-deficient cheaters. Here, Yan et al. show that QS-proficient strains protect themselves by producing a cyanide-insensitive enzyme in response to reactive oxygen species released by cheaters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huicong Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kyle L Asfahl
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Na Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ajai A Dandekar
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Meizhen Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gao C, Xu P, Ye C, Chen X, Liu L. Genetic Circuit-Assisted Smart Microbial Engineering. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:1011-1024. [PMID: 31421969 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rapid advances in DNA synthesis, genetic manipulation, and biosensors have greatly improved the ability to engineer microorganisms with complex functions. By accurately integrating quality biosensors and complex genetic circuits, recently emerged smart microorganisms have enabled exciting opportunities for dissecting complex signaling networks and making responses without artificial intervention. However, because of the lack of design principles, developing such smart microorganisms remains challenging. In this review, we propose the concept of smart microbial engineering (SME) and describe the general features of basic SME, including the circuit architecture, components, and design process. We also summarize the latest SME achievements, remaining challenges, and potential solutions in this growing field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Chao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiulai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang J, Liu F, Su T, Chang Y, Guo Q, Wang Q, Liang Q, Qi Q. The phage T4 DNA ligase in vivo improves the survival-coupled bacterial mutagenesis. Microb Cell Fact 2019; 18:107. [PMID: 31196093 PMCID: PMC6567493 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-019-1160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial mutagenesis is an important avenue to acquire microbial strains with desirable traits for industry application. However, mutagens either chemical or physical used often leads narrow library pool due to high lethal rate. The T4 DNA ligase is one of the most widely utilized enzymes in modern molecular biology. Its contribution to repair chromosomal DNA damages, therefore cell survival during mutagenesis will be discussed. RESULTS Expression of T4 DNA ligase in vivo could substantially increase cell survival to ionizing radiation in multiple species. A T4 mediated survival-coupled mutagenesis approach was proposed. When polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing E. coli with T4 DNA ligase expressed in vivo was subjected to ionizing radiation, mutants with improved PHB production were acquired quickly owing to a large viable mutant library generated. Draft genome sequence analysis showed that the mutants obtained possess not only single nucleotide variation (SNV) but also DNA fragment deletion, indicating that T4 DNA ligase in vivo may contribute to the repair of DNA double strand breaks. CONCLUSIONS Expression of T4 DNA ligase in vivo could notably enhance microbial survival to excess chromosomal damages caused by various mutagens. Potential application of T4 DNA ligase in microbial mutagenesis was explored by mutating and screening PHB producing E. coli XLPHB strain. When applied to atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) microbial mutagenesis, large survival pool was obtained. Mutants available for subsequent screening for desirable features. The use of T4 DNA ligase we were able to quickly improve the PHB production by generating a larger viable mutants pool. This method is a universal strategy can be employed in wide range of bacteria. It indicated that traditional random mutagenesis became more powerful in combine with modern genetic molecular biology and has exciting prospect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junshu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
| | - Fapeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yizhao Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
- National Glycoengineering Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 People’s Republic of China
- CAS Key Lab of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 2566101 China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Moser F, Espah Borujeni A, Ghodasara AN, Cameron E, Park Y, Voigt CA. Dynamic control of endogenous metabolism with combinatorial logic circuits. Mol Syst Biol 2018; 14:e8605. [PMID: 30482789 PMCID: PMC6263354 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20188605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling gene expression during a bioprocess enables real-time metabolic control, coordinated cellular responses, and staging order-of-operations. Achieving this with small molecule inducers is impractical at scale and dynamic circuits are difficult to design. Here, we show that the same set of sensors can be integrated by different combinatorial logic circuits to vary when genes are turned on and off during growth. Three Escherichia coli sensors that respond to the consumption of feedstock (glucose), dissolved oxygen, and by-product accumulation (acetate) are constructed and optimized. By integrating these sensors, logic circuits implement temporal control over an 18-h period. The circuit outputs are used to regulate endogenous enzymes at the transcriptional and post-translational level using CRISPRi and targeted proteolysis, respectively. As a demonstration, two circuits are designed to control acetate production by matching their dynamics to when endogenous genes are expressed (pta or poxB) and respond by turning off the corresponding gene. This work demonstrates how simple circuits can be implemented to enable customizable dynamic gene regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Moser
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amin Espah Borujeni
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amar N Ghodasara
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ewen Cameron
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yongjin Park
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Department of Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|