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Böhm CV, Inckemann R, Burgis M, Baumann J, Brinkmann CK, Lipinska KE, Gilles S, Freudigmann J, Seiler VN, Clark LG, Jewett MC, Voll LM, Niederholtmeyer H. Chloroplast Cell-Free Systems from Different Plant Species as a Rapid Prototyping Platform. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2412-2424. [PMID: 39028299 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00117] [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: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to global agriculture, necessitating innovative solutions. Plant synthetic biology, particularly chloroplast engineering, holds promise as a viable approach to this challenge. Chloroplasts present a variety of advantageous traits for genetic engineering, but the development of genetic tools and genetic part characterization in these organelles is hindered by the lengthy time scales required to generate transplastomic organisms. To address these challenges, we have established a versatile protocol for generating highly active chloroplast-based cell-free gene expression (CFE) systems derived from a diverse range of plant species, including wheat (monocot), spinach, and poplar trees (dicots). We show that these systems work with conventionally used T7 RNA polymerase as well as the endogenous chloroplast polymerases, allowing for detailed characterization and prototyping of regulatory sequences at both transcription and translation levels. To demonstrate the platform for characterization of promoters and 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) in higher plant chloroplast gene expression, we analyze a collection of 23 5'UTRs, 10 3'UTRs, and 6 chloroplast promoters, assessed their expression in spinach and wheat extracts, and found consistency in expression patterns, suggesting cross-species compatibility. Looking forward, our chloroplast CFE systems open new avenues for plant synthetic biology, offering prototyping tools for both understanding gene expression and developing engineered plants, which could help meet the demands of a changing global climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens V Böhm
- Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - René Inckemann
- Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Burgis
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Baumann
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Cedric K Brinkmann
- Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Katarzyna E Lipinska
- Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Sara Gilles
- Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Freudigmann
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Vinca N Seiler
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lauren G Clark
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael C Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Lars M Voll
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Henrike Niederholtmeyer
- Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, 94315 Straubing, Germany
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Zhao Z, Tu H, Wang Y, Yang J, Hao G, Wu J. Chemical Driving the Subtype Selectivity of Phytohormone Receptors Is Beneficial for Crop Productivity. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:16583-16593. [PMID: 39013833 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04446] [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: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Chemicals that modulate phytohormones serve as a research tool in plant science and as products to improve crop productivity. Subtype selectivity refers to a ligand to selectively bind to specific subtypes of a receptor rather than binding to all possible subtypes indiscriminately. It allows for precise and specific control of cellular functions and is widely used in medicine. However, subtype selectivity is rarely mentioned in the realm of plant science, and it requires integrated knowledge from chemistry and biology, including structural features of small molecules as ligands, the redundancy of target proteins, and the response of signaling factors. Here, we present a comprehensive review and evaluation of phytohormone receptor subtype selectivity, leveraging the chemical characteristics of phytohormones and their analogues as clues. This work endeavors to provide a valuable research strategy that integrates knowledge from chemistry and biology to advance research efforts geared toward enhancing crop productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Hong Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ya Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jianrong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Gefei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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3
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Lei R, Peng Y, He Y, Li J. Some remarks on the argument appealing to nature against synthetic biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1428832. [PMID: 39119275 PMCID: PMC11306935 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1428832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper will focus on analyzing the argument with appealing to nature against synthetic biology and provide a counter-argument against it through demonstrating the ambiguity of the concept of nature, denying the existence of a morally significant line between natural and non/unnatural, and disproving the allegations against synthetic biology raised by the argument appealing to nature. The paper consists of two parts following a brief introduction. The first part will describe the argument appealing to nature against synthetic biology, and identify the deficiencies of the argument per se, e.g., the ambiguity of the concept 'nature'; and the problems in the morally significant line between the natural and the non/unnatural. The second part will discuss the allegations to synthetic biology stemming from this argument, e.g., committing metaphysical and ethical mistakes, and doing possible harms to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Lei
- School of Marxism, Center for Ethics and Governance of Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifan Peng
- School of Philosophy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yutian He
- School of Economics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Li
- Intellectual Property Development, Research Center China National Intellectual Property Administration, Beijing, China
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4
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Matuszyńska A, Ebenhöh O, Zurbriggen MD, Ducat DC, Axmann IM. A new era of synthetic biology-microbial community design. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2024; 9:ysae011. [PMID: 39086602 PMCID: PMC11290361 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology conceptualizes biological complexity as a network of biological parts, devices, and systems with predetermined functionalities and has had a revolutionary impact on fundamental and applied research. With the unprecedented ability to synthesize and transfer any DNA and RNA across organisms, the scope of synthetic biology is expanding and being recreated in previously unimaginable ways. The field has matured to a level where highly complex networks, such as artificial communities of synthetic organisms, can be constructed. In parallel, computational biology became an integral part of biological studies, with computational models aiding the unravelling of the escalating complexity and emerging properties of biological phenomena. However, there is still a vast untapped potential for the complete integration of modelling into the synthetic design process, presenting exciting opportunities for scientific advancements. Here, we first highlight the most recent advances in computer-aided design of microbial communities. Next, we propose that such a design can benefit from an organism-free modular modelling approach that places its emphasis on modules of organismal function towards the design of multispecies communities. We argue for a shift in perspective from single organism-centred approaches to emphasizing the functional contributions of organisms within the community. By assembling synthetic biological systems using modular computational models with mathematical descriptions of parts and circuits, we can tailor organisms to fulfil specific functional roles within the community. This approach aligns with synthetic biology strategies and presents exciting possibilities for the design of artificial communities. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Matuszyńska
- Computational Life Science, Department of Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Oliver Ebenhöh
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute of Quantitative and Theoretical Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Daniel C Ducat
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Ilka M Axmann
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
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Chen A, Zhu J, Liu R, Mei Y, Li L, Fan Y, Ke Y, Liu B, Liu Q. Injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel enhances anti-tumor potency of engineered Lactococcus lactis by activating dendritic cells and effective memory T cells. Bioact Mater 2024; 37:331-347. [PMID: 38694762 PMCID: PMC11061616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Engineered bacteria have shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy by dynamically releasing therapeutic payloads and inducing sustained antitumor immune response with the crosstalk of immune cells. In previous studies, FOLactis was designed, which could secret an encoded fusion protein of Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator OX40 ligand, leading to remarkable tumor suppression and exerting an abscopal effect by intratumoral injection. However, it is difficult for intratumoral administration of FOLactis in solid tumors with firm texture or high internal pressure. For patients without lesions such as abdominal metastatic tumors and orthotopic gastric tumors, intratumoral injection is not feasible and peritumoral maybe a better choice. Herein, an engineered bacteria delivery system is constructed based on in situ temperature-sensitive poloxamer 407 hydrogels. Peritumoral injection of FOLactis/P407 results in a 5-fold increase in the proportion of activated DC cells and a more than 2-fold increase in the proportion of effective memory T cells (TEM), playing the role of artificial lymph island. Besides, administration of FOLactis/P407 significantly inhibits the growth of abdominal metastatic tumors and orthotopic gastric tumors, resulting in an extended survival time. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the delivery approach of engineered bacteria based on in situ hydrogel will promote the efficacy and universality of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoxing Chen
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Junmeng Zhu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Rui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yi Mei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lin Li
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yue Fan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yaohua Ke
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
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6
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Shomar H, Bokinsky G. Harnessing iron‑sulfur enzymes for synthetic biology. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119718. [PMID: 38574823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Reactions catalysed by iron-sulfur (Fe-S) enzymes appear in a variety of biosynthetic pathways that produce valuable natural products. Harnessing these biosynthetic pathways by expression in microbial cell factories grown on an industrial scale would yield enormous economic and environmental benefits. However, Fe-S enzymes often become bottlenecks that limits the productivity of engineered pathways. As a consequence, achieving the production metrics required for industrial application remains a distant goal for Fe-S enzyme-dependent pathways. Here, we identify and review three core challenges in harnessing Fe-S enzyme activity, which all stem from the properties of Fe-S clusters: 1) limited Fe-S cluster supply within the host cell, 2) Fe-S cluster instability, and 3) lack of specialized reducing cofactor proteins often required for Fe-S enzyme activity, such as enzyme-specific flavodoxins and ferredoxins. We highlight successful methods developed for a variety of Fe-S enzymes and electron carriers for overcoming these difficulties. We use heterologous nitrogenase expression as a grand case study demonstrating how each of these challenges can be addressed. We predict that recent breakthroughs in protein structure prediction and design will prove well-suited to addressing each of these challenges. A reliable toolkit for harnessing Fe-S enzymes in engineered metabolic pathways will accelerate the development of industry-ready Fe-S enzyme-dependent biosynthesis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Shomar
- Institut Pasteur, université Paris Cité, Inserm U1284, Diversité moléculaire des microbes (Molecular Diversity of Microbes lab), 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gregory Bokinsky
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
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7
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Merle M, Friedman L, Chureau C, Shoushtarizadeh A, Gregor T. Precise and scalable self-organization in mammalian pseudo-embryos. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:896-902. [PMID: 38491138 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01251-4] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression is inherently noisy, posing a challenge to understanding how precise and reproducible patterns of gene expression emerge in mammals. Here we investigate this phenomenon using gastruloids, a three-dimensional in vitro model for early mammalian development. Our study reveals intrinsic reproducibility in the self-organization of gastruloids, encompassing growth dynamics and gene expression patterns. We observe a remarkable degree of control over gene expression along the main body axis, with pattern boundaries positioned with single-cell precision. Furthermore, as gastruloids grow, both their physical proportions and gene expression patterns scale proportionally with system size. Notably, these properties emerge spontaneously in self-organizing cell aggregates, distinct from many in vivo systems constrained by fixed boundary conditions. Our findings shed light on the intricacies of developmental precision, reproducibility and size scaling within a mammalian system, suggesting that these phenomena might constitute fundamental features of multicellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélody Merle
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Leah Friedman
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Chureau
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Armin Shoushtarizadeh
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Gregor
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
- Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics & Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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8
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Tian C, Li J, Wu Y, Wang G, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Sun Y, Wang Y. An integrative database and its application for plant synthetic biology research. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100827. [PMID: 38297840 PMCID: PMC11121754 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Plant synthetic biology research requires diverse bioparts that facilitate the redesign and construction of new-to-nature biological devices or systems in plants. Limited by few well-characterized bioparts for plant chassis, the development of plant synthetic biology lags behind that of its microbial counterpart. Here, we constructed a web-based Plant Synthetic BioDatabase (PSBD), which currently categorizes 1677 catalytic bioparts and 384 regulatory elements and provides information on 309 species and 850 chemicals. Online bioinformatics tools including local BLAST, chem similarity, phylogenetic analysis, and visual strength are provided to assist with the rational design of genetic circuits for manipulation of gene expression in planta. We demonstrated the utility of the PSBD by functionally characterizing taxadiene synthase 2 and its quantitative regulation in tobacco leaves. More powerful synthetic devices were then assembled to amplify the transcriptional signals, enabling enhanced expression of flavivirus non-structure 1 proteins in plants. The PSBD is expected to be an integrative and user-centered platform that provides a one-stop service for diverse applications in plant synthetic biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfei Tian
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuhan Wu
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Guangyi Wang
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuwei Sun
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Joshi J, Hanson AD. A pilot oral history of plant synthetic biology. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:36-47. [PMID: 38163646 PMCID: PMC11060686 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The whole field of synthetic biology (SynBio) is only about 20 years old, and plant SynBio is younger still. Nevertheless, within that short time, SynBio in general has drawn more scientific, philosophical, government, and private-sector interest than anything in biology since the recombinant DNA revolution. Plant SynBio, in particular, is now drawing more and more interest in relation to plants' potential to help solve planetary problems such as carbon capture and storage and replacing fossil fuels and feedstocks. As plant SynBio is so young and so fast-developing, we felt it was too soon to try to analyze its history. Instead, we set out to capture the essence of plant SynBio's origins and early development through interviews with 8 of the field's founders, representing 5 countries and 3 continents. We then distilled these founders' personal recollections and reflections into this review, centering the narrative on timelines for pivotal events, articles, funding programs, and quoting from interviews. We have archived the interview recordings and documented timeline entries. This work provides a resource for future historical scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Joshi
- Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Andrew D Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2550 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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10
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Castle SD, Stock M, Gorochowski TE. Engineering is evolution: a perspective on design processes to engineer biology. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3640. [PMID: 38684714 PMCID: PMC11059173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48000-1] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Careful consideration of how we approach design is crucial to all areas of biotechnology. However, choosing or developing an effective design methodology is not always easy as biology, unlike most areas of engineering, is able to adapt and evolve. Here, we put forward that design and evolution follow a similar cyclic process and therefore all design methods, including traditional design, directed evolution, and even random trial and error, exist within an evolutionary design spectrum. This contrasts with conventional views that often place these methods at odds and provides a valuable framework for unifying engineering approaches for challenging biological design problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon D Castle
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK.
| | - Michiel Stock
- KERMIT, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas E Gorochowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK.
- BrisEngBio, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, UK.
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11
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Buson F, Gao Y, Wang B. Genetic Parts and Enabling Tools for Biocircuit Design. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:697-713. [PMID: 38427821 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00691] [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: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to engineer biological systems for customized tasks through the bottom-up assembly of fundamental building blocks, which requires high-quality libraries of reliable, modular, and standardized genetic parts. To establish sets of parts that work well together, synthetic biologists created standardized part libraries in which every component is analyzed in the same metrics and context. Here we present a state-of-the-art review of the currently available part libraries for designing biocircuits and their gene expression regulation paradigms at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels in Escherichia coli. We discuss the necessary facets to integrate these parts into complex devices and systems along with the current efforts to catalogue and standardize measurement data. To better display the range of available parts and to facilitate part selection in synthetic biology workflows, we established biopartsDB, a curated database of well-characterized and useful genetic part and device libraries with detailed quantitative data validated by the published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Buson
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K
| | - Yuanli Gao
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K
| | - Baojun Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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12
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Glass DS, Bren A, Vaisbourd E, Mayo A, Alon U. A synthetic differentiation circuit in Escherichia coli for suppressing mutant takeover. Cell 2024; 187:931-944.e12. [PMID: 38320549 PMCID: PMC10882425 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.024] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Differentiation is crucial for multicellularity. However, it is inherently susceptible to mutant cells that fail to differentiate. These mutants outcompete normal cells by excessive self-renewal. It remains unclear what mechanisms can resist such mutant expansion. Here, we demonstrate a solution by engineering a synthetic differentiation circuit in Escherichia coli that selects against these mutants via a biphasic fitness strategy. The circuit provides tunable production of synthetic analogs of stem, progenitor, and differentiated cells. It resists mutations by coupling differentiation to the production of an essential enzyme, thereby disadvantaging non-differentiating mutants. The circuit selected for and maintained a positive differentiation rate in long-term evolution. Surprisingly, this rate remained constant across vast changes in growth conditions. We found that transit-amplifying cells (fast-growing progenitors) underlie this environmental robustness. Our results provide insight into the stability of differentiation and demonstrate a powerful method for engineering evolutionarily stable multicellular consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Glass
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Anat Bren
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Vaisbourd
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Avi Mayo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Uri Alon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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13
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Stock M, Gorochowski TE. Open-endedness in synthetic biology: A route to continual innovation for biological design. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi3621. [PMID: 38241375 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi3621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Design in synthetic biology is typically goal oriented, aiming to repurpose or optimize existing biological functions, augmenting biology with new-to-nature capabilities, or creating life-like systems from scratch. While the field has seen many advances, bottlenecks in the complexity of the systems built are emerging and designs that function in the lab often fail when used in real-world contexts. Here, we propose an open-ended approach to biological design, with the novelty of designed biology being at least as important as how well it fulfils its goal. Rather than solely focusing on optimization toward a single best design, designing with novelty in mind may allow us to move beyond the diminishing returns we see in performance for most engineered biology. Research from the artificial life community has demonstrated that embracing novelty can automatically generate innovative and unexpected solutions to challenging problems beyond local optima. Synthetic biology offers the ideal playground to explore more creative approaches to biological design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Stock
- KERMIT & Biobix, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas E Gorochowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- BrisEngBio, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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14
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O’Laughlin R, Tran Q, Lezia A, Ngamkanjanarat W, Emmanuele P, Hao N, Hasty J. A Standardized Set of MoClo-Compatible Inducible Promoter Systems for Tunable Gene Expression in Yeast. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:85-102. [PMID: 38079574 PMCID: PMC11283237 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00184] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Small-molecule control of gene expression underlies the function of numerous engineered gene circuits that are capable of environmental sensing, computation, and memory. While many recently developed inducible promoters have been tailor-made for bacteria or mammalian cells, relatively few new systems have been built for Saccharomyces cerevisiae, limiting the scale of synthetic biology work that can be done in yeast. To address this, we created the yeast Tunable Expression Systems Toolkit (yTEST), which contains a set of five extensively characterized inducible promoter systems regulated by the small-molecules doxycycline (Dox), abscisic acid (ABA), danoprevir (DNV), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 5-phenyl-indole-3-acetic acid (5-Ph-IAA). Assembly was made to be compatible with the modular cloning yeast toolkit (MoClo-YTK) to enhance the ease of use and provide a framework to benchmark and standardize each system. Using this approach, we built multiple systems with maximal expression levels greater than those of the strong constitutive TDH3 promoter. Furthermore, each of the five classes of systems could be induced at least 60-fold after a 6 h induction and the highest fold change observed was approximately 300. Thus, yTEST provides a reliable, diverse, and customizable set of inducible promoters to modulate gene expression in yeast for applications in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard O’Laughlin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States; Present Address: Present address: Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States (R.O.)
| | - Quoc Tran
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States; Present Address: Present address: Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States (Q.T.)
| | - Andrew Lezia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Wasu Ngamkanjanarat
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Philip Emmanuele
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Nan Hao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States; Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jeff Hasty
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States; Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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15
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Liang J, Chen Q, Yong J, Suyama H, Biazik J, Njegic B, Rawal A, Liang K. Covalent-organic framework nanobionics for robust cytoprotection. Chem Sci 2024; 15:991-1002. [PMID: 38239683 PMCID: PMC10793206 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04973f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a novel study introducing a durable and robust covalent-organic framework (COF) nanocoating, developed in situ on living cells. This COF nanocoating demonstrates remarkable resistance against a diverse range of lethal stressors, including high temperature, extreme pH, ultraviolet radiation, toxic metal ions, organic pollutants, and strong oxidative stress. Notably, the nanocoating exhibits exceptional cell survival enhancement under high temperature and strongly acidic conditions, an aspect yet unexplored in the case of metal-organic framework nanocoatings and other nanomaterials. Moreover, functionalization of the nanocoating with an exogenous enzyme catalase enables yeast fermentation and ethanol production even under strong oxidative stress. Our findings establish the durable and robust COF nanocoating as a reliable platform for safeguarding vulnerable microorganisms to allow their utilisation in a wide range of adverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieying Liang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Qianfan Chen
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Joel Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Hiroki Suyama
- UNSW RNA Institute, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Joanna Biazik
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Bosiljka Njegic
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Aditya Rawal
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Kang Liang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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16
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Vidal G, Vitalis C, Matúte T, Núñez I, Federici F, Rudge TJ. Genetic Network Design Automation with LOICA. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2760:393-412. [PMID: 38468100 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3658-9_22] [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: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Genetic design automation (GDA) is the use of computer-aided design (CAD) in designing genetic networks. GDA tools are necessary to create more complex synthetic genetic networks in a high-throughput fashion. At the core of these tools is the abstraction of a hierarchy of standardized components. The components' input, output, and interactions must be captured and parametrized from relevant experimental data. Simulations of genetic networks should use those parameters and include the experimental context to be compared with the experimental results.This chapter introduces Logical Operators for Integrated Cell Algorithms (LOICA), a Python package used for designing, modeling, and characterizing genetic networks using a simple object-oriented design abstraction. LOICA represents different biological and experimental components as classes that interact to generate models. These models can be parametrized by direct connection to the Flapjack experimental data management platform to characterize abstracted components with experimental data. The models can be simulated using stochastic simulation algorithms or ordinary differential equations with varying noise levels. The simulated data can be managed and published using Flapjack alongside experimental data for comparison. LOICA genetic network designs can be represented as graphs and plotted as networks for visual inspection and serialized as Python objects or in the Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL) format for sharing and use in other designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Vidal
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carolus Vitalis
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Tamara Matúte
- ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Isaac Núñez
- ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernán Federici
- ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
- FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Timothy J Rudge
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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17
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Bijukumar G, Somvanshi PR. Reverse Engineering in Biotechnology: The Role of Genetic Engineering in Synthetic Biology. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2719:307-324. [PMID: 37803125 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3461-5_17] [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: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is built on genetic engineering and principles of design engineering, which provides control over the biological functions of interest. This chapter explores the uses, processes, and applications of genetic engineering in synthetic biology. The chapter provides a brief history and course of development of the field of synthetic biology and genetic engineering and their unbreakable association. Next, the chapter delves into materials and methods and the applications of synthetic biology. This includes discussing the generally used components of genetic engineering to design new functions into organisms and even the general steps that are part of any synthetic biology experiment. Lastly, the chapter also explains the use of the materials and methodology discussed in solving a specific problem related to a model mentioned in the paper titled "Development of Integrase-mediated differentiation circuits to improve evolutionary stability in E. coli." It explains how by using genetic engineering a synthetic biology-related problem was solved efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopikrishnan Bijukumar
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Pramod R Somvanshi
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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18
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Tanwar N, Arya SS, Rookes JE, Cahill DM, Lenka SK, Bansal KC. Prospects of chloroplast metabolic engineering for developing nutrient-dense food crops. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:1001-1018. [PMID: 35815847 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2092717] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Addressing nutritional deficiencies in food crops through biofortification is a sustainable approach to tackling malnutrition. Biofortification is continuously being attempted through conventional breeding as well as through various plant biotechnological interventions, ranging from molecular breeding to genetic engineering and genome editing for enriching crops with various health-promoting metabolites. Genetic engineering is used for the rational incorporation of desired nutritional traits in food crops and predominantly operates through nuclear and chloroplast genome engineering. In the recent past, chloroplast engineering has been deployed as a strategic tool to develop model plants with enhanced nutritional traits due to the various advantages it offers over nuclear genome engineering. However, this approach needs to be extended for the nutritional enhancement of major food crops. Further, this platform could be combined with strategies, such as synthetic biology, chloroplast editing, nanoparticle-mediated rapid chloroplast transformation, and horizontal gene transfer through grafting for targeting endogenous metabolic pathways for overproducing native nutraceuticals, production of biopharmaceuticals, and biosynthesis of designer nutritional compounds. This review focuses on exploring various features of chloroplast genome engineering for nutritional enhancement of food crops by enhancing the levels of existing metabolites, restoring the metabolites lost during crop domestication, and introducing novel metabolites and phytonutrients needed for a healthy daily diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Tanwar
- TERI-Deakin Nano-Biotechnology Centre, The Energy Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, India
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sagar S Arya
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Australia
| | - James E Rookes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Australia
| | - David M Cahill
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sangram K Lenka
- TERI-Deakin Nano-Biotechnology Centre, The Energy Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, India
- Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gujarat, India
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19
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Plante M. Epistemology of synthetic biology: a new theoretical framework based on its potential objects and objectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1266298. [PMID: 38053845 PMCID: PMC10694798 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1266298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a new research field which attempts to understand, modify, and create new biological entities by adopting a modular and systemic conception of the living organisms. The development of synthetic biology has generated a pluralism of different approaches, bringing together a set of heterogeneous practices and conceptualizations from various disciplines, which can lead to confusion within the synthetic biology community as well as with other biological disciplines. I present in this manuscript an epistemological analysis of synthetic biology in order to better define this new discipline in terms of objects of study and specific objectives. First, I present and analyze the principal research projects developed at the foundation of synthetic biology, in order to establish an overview of the practices in this new emerging discipline. Then, I analyze an important scientometric study on synthetic biology to complete this overview. Afterwards, considering this analysis, I suggest a three-level classification of the object of study for synthetic biology (which are different kinds of living entities that can be built in the laboratory), based on three successive criteria: structural hierarchy, structural origin, functional origin. Finally, I propose three successively linked objectives in which synthetic biology can contribute (where the achievement of one objective led to the development of the other): interdisciplinarity collaboration (between natural, artificial, and theoretical sciences), knowledge of natural living entities (past, present, future, and alternative), pragmatic definition of the concept of "living" (that can be used by biologists in different contexts). Considering this new theoretical framework, based on its potential objects and objectives, I take the position that synthetic biology has not only the potential to develop its own new approach (which includes methods, objects, and objectives), distinct from other subdisciplines in biology, but also the ability to develop new knowledge on living entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Plante
- Collège Montmorency, Laval, QC, Canada
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
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20
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Zeng D, Jing C, Tang L, He P, Zhang J. Pyramiding stacking of multigenes (PSM): a simple, flexible and efficient multigene stacking system based on Gibson assembly and gateway cloning. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1263715. [PMID: 38026899 PMCID: PMC10668122 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1263715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of complex metabolic pathways and multiple traits often requires the introduction of multiple genes. The construction of plasmids carrying multiple DNA fragments plays a vital role in these processes. In this study, the Gibson assembly and Gateway cloning combined Pyramiding Stacking of Multigenes (PSM) system was developed to assemble multiple transgenes into a single T-DNA. Combining the advantages of Gibson assembly and Gateway cloning, the PSM system uses an inverted pyramid stacking route and allows fast, flexible and efficient stacking of multiple genes into a binary vector. The PSM system contains two modular designed entry vectors (each containing two different attL sites and two selectable markers) and one Gateway-compatible destination vector (containing four attR sites and two negative selection markers). The target genes are primarily assembled into the entry vectors via two parallel rounds of Gibson assembly reactions. Then, the cargos in the entry constructs are integrated into the destination vector via a single tube Gateway LR reaction. To demonstrate PSM's capabilities, four and nine gene expression cassettes were respectively assembled into the destination vector to generate two binary expression vectors. The transgenic analysis of these constructs in Arabidopsis demonstrated the reliability of the constructs generated by PSM. Due to its flexibility, simplicity and versatility, PSM has great potential for genetic engineering, synthetic biology and the improvement of multiple traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zeng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Cuiyuan Jing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Tang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng He
- The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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21
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Tarnowski MJ, Varliero G, Scown J, Phelps E, Gorochowski TE. Soil as a transdisciplinary research catalyst: from bioprospecting to biorespecting. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230963. [PMID: 38026022 PMCID: PMC10646459 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The vast microbial biodiversity of soils is beginning to be observed and understood by applying modern DNA sequencing techniques. However, ensuring this potentially valuable information is used in a fair and equitable way remains a challenge. Here, we present a public engagement project that explores this topic through collaborative research of soil microbiomes at six urban locations using nanopore-based DNA sequencing. The project brought together researchers from the disciplines of synthetic biology, environmental humanities and microbial ecology, as well as school students aged 14-16 years old, to gain a broader understanding of views on the use of data from the environment. Discussions led to the transformation of 'bioprospecting', a metaphor with extractive connotations which is often used to frame environmental DNA sequencing studies, towards a more collaborative approach-'biorespecting'. This shift in terminology acknowledges that genetic information contained in soil arises as a result of entire ecosystems, including the people involved in its creation. Therefore, any use of sequence information should be accountable to the ecosystems from which it arose. As knowledge can arise from ecosystems and communities, science and technology should acknowledge this link and reciprocate with care and benefit-sharing to help improve the wellbeing of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Tarnowski
- School of Biological Science, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Gilda Varliero
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Jim Scown
- Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Emily Phelps
- School of Biological Science, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Thomas E. Gorochowski
- School of Biological Science, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- BrisEngBio, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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22
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Lux MW, Strychalski EA, Vora GJ. Advancing reproducibility can ease the 'hard truths' of synthetic biology. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2023; 8:ysad014. [PMID: 38022744 PMCID: PMC10640854 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproducibility has been identified as an outstanding challenge in science, and the field of synthetic biology is no exception. Meeting this challenge is critical to allow the transformative technological capabilities emerging from this field to reach their full potential to benefit the society. We discuss the current state of reproducibility in synthetic biology and how improvements can address some of the central shortcomings in the field. We argue that the successful adoption of reproducibility as a routine aspect of research and development requires commitment spanning researchers and relevant institutions via education, incentivization and investment in related infrastructure. The urgency of this topic pervades synthetic biology as it strives to advance fundamental insights and unlock new capabilities for safe, secure and scalable applications of biotechnology. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Lux
- Research & Operations Directorate, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center, APG, MD 21010, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Strychalski
- Cellular Engineering Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Gary J Vora
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
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23
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Ou Y, Guo S. Safety risks and ethical governance of biomedical applications of synthetic biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1292029. [PMID: 37941726 PMCID: PMC10628459 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1292029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, biomedicine has witnessed rapid advancements in applying synthetic biology. While these advancements have brought numerous benefits to patients, they have also given rise to a series of safety concerns. Methods: This article provides a succinct overview of the current research on synthetic biology's application in biomedicine and systematically analyzes the safety risks associated with this field. Based on this analysis, the article proposes fundamental principles for addressing these issues and presents practical recommendations for ethical governance. Results: This article contends that the primary safety risks associated with the application of synthetic biology in biomedicine include participant safety, biosafety risks, and biosecurity risks. In order to effectively address these risks, it is essential to adhere to the principles of human-centeredness, non-maleficence, sustainability, and reasonable risk control. Guided by these fundamental principles and taking into account China's specific circumstances, this article presents practical recommendations for ethical governance, which include strengthening ethical review, promoting the development and implementation of relevant policies, improving legal safeguards through top-level design, and enhancing technical capabilities for biocontainment. Conclusion: As an emerging field of scientific technology, synthetic biology presents numerous safety risks and challenges in its application within biomedicine. In order to address these risks and challenges, it is imperative that appropriate measures be implemented. From a Chinese perspective, the solutions we propose serve not only to advance the domestic development of synthetic biology but also to contribute to its global progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Ou
- School of Marxism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Bioethics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengjia Guo
- School of Marxism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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24
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Stano P. Chemical Systems for Wetware Artificial Life: Selected Perspectives in Synthetic Cell Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14138. [PMID: 37762444 PMCID: PMC10532297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814138] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent and important advances in bottom-up synthetic biology (SB), in particular in the field of the so-called "synthetic cells" (SCs) (or "artificial cells", or "protocells"), lead us to consider the role of wetware technologies in the "Sciences of Artificial", where they constitute the third pillar, alongside the more well-known pillars hardware (robotics) and software (Artificial Intelligence, AI). In this article, it will be highlighted how wetware approaches can help to model life and cognition from a unique perspective, complementary to robotics and AI. It is suggested that, through SB, it is possible to explore novel forms of bio-inspired technologies and systems, in particular chemical AI. Furthermore, attention is paid to the concept of semantic information and its quantification, following the strategy recently introduced by Kolchinsky and Wolpert. Semantic information, in turn, is linked to the processes of generation of "meaning", interpreted here through the lens of autonomy and cognition in artificial systems, emphasizing its role in chemical ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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25
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Siddall A, Williams AA, Sanders J, Denton JA, Madden D, Schollar J, Bryk J. Unigems: plasmids and parts to facilitate teaching on assembly, gene expression control and logic in E. coli. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:000596.v3. [PMID: 37841098 PMCID: PMC10569648 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000596.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology enables the creative combination of engineering and molecular biology for exploration of fundamental aspects of biological phenomena. However, there are limited resources available for such applications in the educational context, where straightforward setup, easily measurable phenotypes and extensibility are of particular importance. We developed unigems, a set of ten plasmids that enable classroom-based investigation of gene-expression control and biological logic gates to facilitate teaching synthetic biology and genetic engineering. It is built on a high-copy plasmid backbone and is easily extensible thanks to a common primer set that facilitates Gibson assembly of PCR-generated or synthesized DNA parts into the target vector. It includes two reporter genes with either two constitutive (high- or low-level) or two inducible (lactose- or arabinose-) promoters, as well as a single-plasmid implementation of an AND logic gate. The set can readily be employed in undergraduate teaching settings, during outreach events and for training of iGEM teams. All plasmids have been deposited in Addgene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Siddall
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Abbie Ann Williams
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Jason Sanders
- School of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Jai A. Denton
- Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
- Institute of Vector-borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Dean Madden
- National Centre for Biotechnology Education, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - John Schollar
- National Centre for Biotechnology Education, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jarosław Bryk
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- National Centre for Biotechnology Education, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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26
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Xu Q, Du Q, Gao J, Chen L, Dong X, Li J. A robust genetic toolbox for fine-tuning gene expression in the CO 2-Fixing methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis. Metab Eng 2023; 79:130-145. [PMID: 37495072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.07.007] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Libraries of well-characterized genetic elements for fine-tuning gene expression are essential for biological and biotechnological research and applications. The fast-growing and genetically tractable methanogen, Methanococcus maripaludis, is a promising host organism for biotechnological conversion of carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen into fuels and value-added products, as well as fundamental biological studies of archaea. However, the lack of molecular tools for gene expression has hindered its application as a workhorse to fine-tune gene and metabolic pathway expressions. In this study, we developed a genetic toolbox, including libraries of promoters, ribosome binding sites (RBS), and neutral sites for chromosomal integration, to facilitate precise gene expression in M. maripaludis. We generated a promoter library consisting of 81 constitutive promoters with expression strengths spanning a ∼104-fold dynamic range. Importantly, we identified a base composition rule for strong archaeal promoters and successfully remodeled weak promoters, enhancing their activities by up to 120-fold. We also established an RBS library containing 42 diverse RBS sequences with translation strengths covering a ∼100-fold dynamic range. Additionally, we identified eight neutral sites and developed a one-step, Cas9-based marker-less knock-in approach for chromosomal integration. We successfully applied the characterized promoter and RBS elements to significantly improve recombinant protein expression by 41-fold and modulate essential gene expression to generate corresponding physiological changes in M. maripaludis. Therefore, this work establishes a solid foundation for utilizing this autotrophic methanogen as an ideal workhorse for archaeal biology and biotechnological studies and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xu
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qing Du
- Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy, Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiuzhu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Alexis E, Schulte CCM, Cardelli L, Papachristodoulou A. Regulation strategies for two-output biomolecular networks. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230174. [PMID: 37528680 PMCID: PMC10394417 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Feedback control theory facilitates the development of self-regulating systems with desired performance which are predictable and insensitive to disturbances. Feedback regulatory topologies are found in many natural systems and have been of key importance in the design of reliable synthetic bio-devices operating in complex biological environments. Here, we study control schemes for biomolecular processes with two outputs of interest, expanding previously described concepts based on single-output systems. Regulation of such processes may unlock new design possibilities but can be challenging due to coupling interactions; also potential disturbances applied on one of the outputs may affect both. We therefore propose architectures for robustly manipulating the ratio/product and linear combinations of the outputs as well as each of the outputs independently. To demonstrate their characteristics, we apply these architectures to a simple process of two mutually activated biomolecular species. We also highlight the potential for experimental implementation by exploring synthetic realizations both in vivo and in vitro. This work presents an important step forward in building bio-devices capable of sophisticated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Alexis
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Carolin C. M. Schulte
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Luca Cardelli
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
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28
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Damiano L, Stano P. Explorative Synthetic Biology in AI: Criteria of Relevance and a Taxonomy for Synthetic Models of Living and Cognitive Processes. ARTIFICIAL LIFE 2023; 29:367-387. [PMID: 37490711 DOI: 10.1162/artl_a_00411] [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: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
This article tackles the topic of the special issue "Biology in AI: New Frontiers in Hardware, Software and Wetware Modeling of Cognition" in two ways. It addresses the problem of the relevance of hardware, software, and wetware models for the scientific understanding of biological cognition, and it clarifies the contributions that synthetic biology, construed as the synthetic exploration of cognition, can offer to artificial intelligence (AI). The research work proposed in this article is based on the idea that the relevance of hardware, software, and wetware models of biological and cognitive processes-that is, the concrete contribution that these models can make to the scientific understanding of life and cognition-is still unclear, mainly because of the lack of explicit criteria to assess in what ways synthetic models can support the experimental exploration of biological and cognitive phenomena. Our article draws on elements from cybernetic and autopoietic epistemology to define a framework of reference, for the synthetic study of life and cognition, capable of generating a set of assessment criteria and a classification of forms of relevance, for synthetic models, able to overcome the sterile, traditional polarization of their evaluation between mere imitation and full reproduction of the target processes. On the basis of these tools, we tentatively map the forms of relevance characterizing wetware models of living and cognitive processes that synthetic biology can produce and outline a programmatic direction for the development of "organizationally relevant approaches" applying synthetic biology techniques to the investigative field of (embodied) AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Damiano
- IULM University, Research Group on the Epistemology of the Sciences of the Artificial, Department of Communication, Arts, and Media.
| | - Pasquale Stano
- University of Salento, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies
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29
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Stano P, Gentili PL, Damiano L, Magarini M. A Role for Bottom-Up Synthetic Cells in the Internet of Bio-Nano Things? Molecules 2023; 28:5564. [PMID: 37513436 PMCID: PMC10385758 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145564] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential role of bottom-up Synthetic Cells (SCs) in the Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) is discussed. In particular, this perspective paper focuses on the growing interest in networks of biological and/or artificial objects at the micro- and nanoscale (cells and subcellular parts, microelectrodes, microvessels, etc.), whereby communication takes place in an unconventional manner, i.e., via chemical signaling. The resulting "molecular communication" (MC) scenario paves the way to the development of innovative technologies that have the potential to impact biotechnology, nanomedicine, and related fields. The scenario that relies on the interconnection of natural and artificial entities is briefly introduced, highlighting how Synthetic Biology (SB) plays a central role. SB allows the construction of various types of SCs that can be designed, tailored, and programmed according to specific predefined requirements. In particular, "bottom-up" SCs are briefly described by commenting on the principles of their design and fabrication and their features (in particular, the capacity to exchange chemicals with other SCs or with natural biological cells). Although bottom-up SCs still have low complexity and thus basic functionalities, here, we introduce their potential role in the IoBNT. This perspective paper aims to stimulate interest in and discussion on the presented topics. The article also includes commentaries on MC, semantic information, minimal cognition, wetware neuromorphic engineering, and chemical social robotics, with the specific potential they can bring to the IoBNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Gentili
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luisa Damiano
- Department of Communication, Arts and Media, IULM University, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Magarini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Synthetic biology (SynBio) has attracted like no other recent development the attention not only of Life Science researchers and engineers but also of intellectuals, technology think-tanks, and private and public investors. This is largely due to its promise to propel biotechnology beyond its traditional realms in medicine, agriculture, and environment toward new territories historically dominated by the chemical and manufacturing industries─but now claimed to be amenable to complete biologization. For this to happen, it is crucial for the field to remain true to its foundational engineering drive, which relies on mathematics and quantitative tools to construct practical solutions to real-world problems. This article highlights several SynBio themes that, in our view, come with somewhat precarious promises that need to be tackled. First, SynBio must critically examine whether enough basic information is available to enable the design or redesign of life processes and turn biology from a descriptive science into a prescriptive one. Second, unlike circuit boards, cells are built with soft matter and possess inherent abilities to mutate and evolve, even without external cues. Third, the field cannot be presented as the one technical solution to many grave world problems and so must avoid exaggerated claims and hype. Finally, SynBio should pay heed to public sensitivities and involve social science in its development and growth, and thus change the technology narrative from sheer domination of the living world to conversation and win-win partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Hanson
- Horticultural
Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems
Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-CSIC, Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
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31
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Braccini M, Collinson E, Roli A, Fellermann H, Stano P. Recurrent neural networks in synthetic cells: a route to autonomous molecular agents? Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1210334. [PMID: 37351468 PMCID: PMC10284608 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1210334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Braccini
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Campus of Cesena, Cesena, Italy
| | - Ethan Collinson
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems Research Group, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Roli
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Campus of Cesena, Cesena, Italy
- European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Venice, Italy
| | - Harold Fellermann
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems Research Group, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Venice, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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32
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Wang G, Kong Q, Wang D, Asmi F. Ethical and social insights into synthetic biology: predicting research fronts in the post-COVID-19 era. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1085797. [PMID: 37274167 PMCID: PMC10235617 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1085797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As a revolutionary biological science and technology, synthetic biology has already spread its influence from natural sciences to humanities and social sciences by introducing biosafety, biosecurity, and ethical issues to society. The current study aims to elaborate the intellectual bases and research front of the synthetic biology field in the sphere of philosophy, ethics, and social sciences, with knowledge mapping and bibliometric methods. The literature records from the Social Sciences Citation Index and Arts & Humanities Citation Index in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1982 to 2021 were collected and analyzed to illustrate the intellectual structure of philosophical, ethical, and social research of synthetic biology. This study profiled the hotspots of research focus on its governance, philosophical and ethical concerns, and relevant technologies. This study offers clues and enlightenment for the stakeholders and researchers to follow the progress of this emerging discipline and technology and to understand the cutting-edge ideas and future form of this field, which takes on greater significance in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong Wang
- *Correspondence: Dong Wang, ; Fahad Asmi,
| | - Fahad Asmi
- *Correspondence: Dong Wang, ; Fahad Asmi,
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33
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Yan X, Liu X, Zhao C, Chen GQ. Applications of synthetic biology in medical and pharmaceutical fields. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:199. [PMID: 37169742 PMCID: PMC10173249 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01440-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to design or assemble existing bioparts or bio-components for useful bioproperties. During the past decades, progresses have been made to build delicate biocircuits, standardized biological building blocks and to develop various genomic/metabolic engineering tools and approaches. Medical and pharmaceutical demands have also pushed the development of synthetic biology, including integration of heterologous pathways into designer cells to efficiently produce medical agents, enhanced yields of natural products in cell growth media to equal or higher than that of the extracts from plants or fungi, constructions of novel genetic circuits for tumor targeting, controllable releases of therapeutic agents in response to specific biomarkers to fight diseases such as diabetes and cancers. Besides, new strategies are developed to treat complex immune diseases, infectious diseases and metabolic disorders that are hard to cure via traditional approaches. In general, synthetic biology brings new capabilities to medical and pharmaceutical researches. This review summarizes the timeline of synthetic biology developments, the past and present of synthetic biology for microbial productions of pharmaceutics, engineered cells equipped with synthetic DNA circuits for diagnosis and therapies, live and auto-assemblied biomaterials for medical treatments, cell-free synthetic biology in medical and pharmaceutical fields, and DNA engineering approaches with potentials for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yan
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Liu
- PhaBuilder Biotech Co. Ltd., Shunyi District, Zhaoquan Ying, 101309, Beijing, China
| | - Cuihuan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
- Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
- MOE Key Lab for Industrial Biocatalysis, Dept Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
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34
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Fuchs D, Bauer A, Bogner A. "That was not the discussion we wanted to have": Engagement of civil society organizations with synthetic biology. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2023:9636625231164940. [PMID: 37092655 DOI: 10.1177/09636625231164940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Responsible Research and Innovation calls for comprehensive public and stakeholder involvement. Its specific requirements, however, have raised criticism concerning the limitation of engagement opportunities for actors like Civil Society Organizations that do not share mainstream perspectives on technological innovations. Our article investigates the engagement of critical Civil Society Organizations in public debates and dialogues on synthetic biology and asks how they contribute to opening up respective debates. Based on three case studies, we show how Civil Society Organizations engage in and frame the debate on synthetic biology in different organizational formats. We find that Civil Society Organizations have explicitly challenged visions of a sustainable future by airing concerns about its risks and adverse impacts and engage in ontological debates about synthetic biology. Yet, we argue that different engagement formats are needed to ensure a diverse public debate on synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fuchs
- Institute of Technology Assessment, Austria; Centre of Social Innovation, Austria
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35
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Jain R, Jain A, Mauro E, LeShane K, Densmore D. ICOR: improving codon optimization with recurrent neural networks. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:132. [PMID: 37016283 PMCID: PMC10074884 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In protein sequences-as there are 61 sense codons but only 20 standard amino acids-most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon. Although such synonymous codons do not alter the encoded amino acid sequence, their selection can dramatically affect the expression of the resulting protein. Codon optimization of synthetic DNA sequences is important for heterologous expression. However, existing solutions are primarily based on choosing high-frequency codons only, neglecting the important effects of rare codons. In this paper, we propose a novel recurrent-neural-network based codon optimization tool, ICOR, that aims to learn codon usage bias on a genomic dataset of Escherichia coli. We compile a dataset of over 7,000 non-redundant, high-expression, robust genes which are used for deep learning. The model uses a bidirectional long short-term memory-based architecture, allowing for the sequential context of codon usage in genes to be learned. Our tool can predict synonymous codons for synthetic genes toward optimal expression in Escherichia coli. RESULTS We demonstrate that sequential context achieved via RNN may yield codon selection that is more similar to the host genome. Based on computational metrics that predict protein expression, ICOR theoretically optimizes protein expression more than frequency-based approaches. ICOR is evaluated on 1,481 Escherichia coli genes as well as a benchmark set of 40 select DNA sequences whose heterologous expression has been previously characterized. ICOR's performance is measured across five metrics: the Codon Adaptation Index, GC-content, negative repeat elements, negative cis-regulatory elements, and codon frequency distribution. CONCLUSIONS The results, based on in silico metrics, indicate that ICOR codon optimization is theoretically more effective in enhancing recombinant expression of proteins over other established codon optimization techniques. Our tool is provided as an open-source software package that includes the benchmark set of sequences used in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishab Jain
- Lattice Automation, 709 E 5th St. #3, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
| | - Aditya Jain
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mauro
- Lattice Automation, 709 E 5th St. #3, Boston, MA, 02127, USA.
| | - Kevin LeShane
- Lattice Automation, 709 E 5th St. #3, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
| | - Douglas Densmore
- Lattice Automation, 709 E 5th St. #3, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, 8 Saint Mary's St., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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36
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Akpoviri FI, Baharum SN, Zainol ZA. Digital Sequence Information and the Access and Benefit-Sharing Obligation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. NANOETHICS 2023; 17:1. [PMID: 37008389 PMCID: PMC10043851 DOI: 10.1007/s11569-023-00436-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of synthetic biology, scientists are increasingly relying on digital sequence information, instead of physical genetic resources. This article examines the potential impact of this shift on the access and benefit-sharing (ABS) regime of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol. These treaties require benefit-sharing with the owners of genetic resources. However, whether "genetic resources" include digital sequence information is unsettled. The CBD conceives genetic resources as genetic material containing functional units of heredity. "Material" implies tangibility, and for some scholars, "functional units of heredity," undefined in both treaties, mean full-coding sequences. This article argues that digital sequence information obtained from physical genetic resources, full-coding or not, should be treated as genetic resources. Literal construction of the CBD risks eroding its usefulness and the ABS regime. This is because through bioinformatics, sequence information can easily be obtained from genetic resources for utilization, without physically moving them or concluding ABS agreement with owners. The CBD must evolve with scientific progress also because sequence functionality depends on the state of knowledge. These arguments are vindicated by domestic ABS laws equating genetic information with genetic resources; Nagoya Protocol provisions deeming research exploiting the genetic composition of genetic resources as utilization of genetic resources; and CBD provisions requiring the sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources. Moreover, treaty interpretation and case law demand that generic, scientific terms, such as "genetic resources" and "functional units of heredity" be interpreted in an evolutionary manner to capture scientific developments.
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37
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Bai S, Han X, Feng D. Shoot-root signal circuit: Phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1139744. [PMID: 36890896 PMCID: PMC9987563 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1139744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
High concentrations of heavy metals in the environment will cause serious harm to ecosystems and human health. It is urgent to develop effective methods to control soil heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation has advantages and potential for soil heavy metal pollution control. However, the current hyperaccumulators have the disadvantages of poor environmental adaptability, single enrichment species and small biomass. Based on the concept of modularity, synthetic biology makes it possible to design a wide range of organisms. In this paper, a comprehensive strategy of "microbial biosensor detection - phytoremediation - heavy metal recovery" for soil heavy metal pollution control was proposed, and the required steps were modified by using synthetic biology methods. This paper summarizes the new experimental methods that promote the discovery of synthetic biological elements and the construction of circuits, and combs the methods of producing transgenic plants to facilitate the transformation of constructed synthetic biological vectors. Finally, the problems that should be paid more attention to in the remediation of soil heavy metal pollution based on synthetic biology were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Bai
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fujian, China
| | - Xiao Han
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fujian, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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38
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Vaidyanathan P. IWBDA 2021: An Ongoing Journey to Shape the Future of Synthetic Biology Using Bio-Design Automation. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:348-349. [PMID: 36693230 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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39
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Amack S, Ferreira SS, Antunes MS. Tuning the Transcriptional Activity of the CaMV 35S Promoter in Plants by Single-Nucleotide Changes in the TATA Box. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:178-185. [PMID: 36563338 PMCID: PMC9872816 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00457] [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: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology uses genetically encoded devices and circuits to implement novel complex functions in living cells and organisms. A hallmark of these genetic circuits is the interaction among their individual parts, according to predefined rules, to process cellular information and produce a circuit output or response. As the number of individual components in a genetic circuit increases, so does the number of interactions needed to achieve the correct behavior, and hence, a greater need to fine-tune the levels of expression of each component. Transcriptional promoters play a key regulatory role in genetic circuits, as they influence the levels of RNA and proteins produced. In multicellular organisms, such as plants, they can also determine developmental, spatial, and tissue-specific patterns of gene expression. The 35S promoter from the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV 35S) is widely used in plant biotechnology to direct high levels of gene expression in a variety of plant species. We produced a library of 21 variants of the CaMV 35S promoter by introducing all single nucleotide substitutions to the promoter's TATA box sequence. We then characterized the activity of all variants in homozygous transgenic plants and showed that some of these variants have lower activity than the wild type in plants. These promoter variants could be used to fine-tune the behavior of synthetic genetic circuits in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie
C. Amack
- Department
of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
- BioDiscovery
Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - Savio S. Ferreira
- Department
of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
- BioDiscovery
Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - Mauricio S. Antunes
- Department
of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
- BioDiscovery
Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
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40
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Toward Interdisciplinary Synergies in Molecular Communications: Perspectives from Synthetic Biology, Nanotechnology, Communications Engineering and Philosophy of Science. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010208. [PMID: 36676156 PMCID: PMC9861838 DOI: 10.3390/life13010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Within many chemical and biological systems, both synthetic and natural, communication via chemical messengers is widely viewed as a key feature. Often known as molecular communication, such communication has been a concern in the fields of synthetic biologists, nanotechnologists, communications engineers, and philosophers of science. However, interactions between these fields are currently limited. Nevertheless, the fact that the same basic phenomenon is studied by all of these fields raises the question of whether there are unexploited interdisciplinary synergies. In this paper, we summarize the perspectives of each field on molecular communications, highlight potential synergies, discuss ongoing challenges to exploit these synergies, and present future perspectives for interdisciplinary efforts in this area.
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41
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Aggarwal N, Kitano S, Puah GRY, Kittelmann S, Hwang IY, Chang MW. Microbiome and Human Health: Current Understanding, Engineering, and Enabling Technologies. Chem Rev 2023; 123:31-72. [PMID: 36317983 PMCID: PMC9837825 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The human microbiome is composed of a collection of dynamic microbial communities that inhabit various anatomical locations in the body. Accordingly, the coevolution of the microbiome with the host has resulted in these communities playing a profound role in promoting human health. Consequently, perturbations in the human microbiome can cause or exacerbate several diseases. In this Review, we present our current understanding of the relationship between human health and disease development, focusing on the microbiomes found across the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as the skin. We further discuss various strategies by which the composition and function of the human microbiome can be modulated to exert a therapeutic effect on the host. Finally, we examine technologies such as multiomics approaches and cellular reprogramming of microbes that can enable significant advancements in microbiome research and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Aggarwal
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Synthetic
Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Shohei Kitano
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Synthetic
Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Ginette Ru Ying Puah
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Synthetic
Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Wilmar-NUS
(WIL@NUS) Corporate Laboratory, National
University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Wilmar
International Limited, Singapore 138568, Singapore
| | - Sandra Kittelmann
- Wilmar-NUS
(WIL@NUS) Corporate Laboratory, National
University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Wilmar
International Limited, Singapore 138568, Singapore
| | - In Young Hwang
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Synthetic
Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Department
of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Singapore
Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Matthew Wook Chang
- NUS
Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Synthetic
Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Wilmar-NUS
(WIL@NUS) Corporate Laboratory, National
University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department
of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
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42
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Abraha BW, Marchisio MA. Design of Gene Boolean Gates and Circuits with Convergent Promoters. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2553:121-154. [PMID: 36227542 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2617-7_7] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gene digital circuits are the subject of many research works due to their various potential applications, from hazard detection to medical diagnostic. Moreover, a remarkable number of techniques, developed in electronics, can be used for the construction of biological digital systems. In our previous works, we showed how to automatize the design and modeling of gene digital circuits whose gates were based on transcription and translation regulation. In this chapter, we illustrate how Boolean gates could be implemented by following a particular architecture, the convergent promoter one, rather diffuse in nature but seldom adopted in Synthetic Biology. Beside gate design, we also explain how to extend our previous modeling approach, based on composable parts and pools of molecules, to quantitatively describe and simulate this particular kind of digital biological devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biruck Woldai Abraha
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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43
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Aldulijan I, Beal J, Billerbeck S, Bouffard J, Chambonnier G, Ntelkis N, Guerreiro I, Holub M, Ross P, Selvarajah V, Sprent N, Vidal G, Vignoni A. Functional Synthetic Biology. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2023; 8:ysad006. [PMID: 37073284 PMCID: PMC10105873 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biologists have made great progress over the past decade in developing methods for modular assembly of genetic sequences and in engineering biological systems with a wide variety of functions in various contexts and organisms. However, current paradigms in the field entangle sequence and functionality in a manner that makes abstraction difficult, reduces engineering flexibility and impairs predictability and design reuse. Functional Synthetic Biology aims to overcome these impediments by focusing the design of biological systems on function, rather than on sequence. This reorientation will decouple the engineering of biological devices from the specifics of how those devices are put to use, requiring both conceptual and organizational change, as well as supporting software tooling. Realizing this vision of Functional Synthetic Biology will allow more flexibility in how devices are used, more opportunity for reuse of devices and data, improvements in predictability and reductions in technical risk and cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Aldulijan
- Systems Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, 07030, NJ, USA
| | | | - Sonja Billerbeck
- Molecular Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeff Bouffard
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, and Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, H4B 1R6, Québec, Canada
| | - Gaël Chambonnier
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Nikolaos Ntelkis
- Specialized Metabolism research group, Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB-Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Belgium
| | - Isaac Guerreiro
- iGEM Foundation, 45 Prospect Street, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Martin Holub
- Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Ross
- BioStrat Marketing, 9965 Harbour Lake Circle, Boynton Beach, FL, 33437, USA
| | | | - Noah Sprent
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Gonzalo Vidal
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) research group, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Devonshire Building, Devonshire Terrace, NE1 7RU, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alejandro Vignoni
- Synthetic Biology and Biosystems Control Lab, Instituto de Automatica e Informatica Industrial, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
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44
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Guhe V, Ingale P, Tambekar A, Singh S. Systems biology of autophagy in leishmanial infection and its diverse role in precision medicine. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1113249. [PMID: 37152895 PMCID: PMC10160387 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1113249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a contentious issue in leishmaniasis and is emerging as a promising therapeutic regimen. Published research on the impact of autophagic regulation on Leishmania survival is inconclusive, despite numerous pieces of evidence that Leishmania spp. triggers autophagy in a variety of cell types. The mechanistic approach is poorly understood in the Leishmania parasite as autophagy is significant in both Leishmania and the host. Herein, this review discusses the autophagy proteins that are being investigated as potential therapeutic targets, the connection between autophagy and lipid metabolism, and microRNAs that regulate autophagy and lipid metabolism. It also highlights the use of systems biology to develop novel autophagy-dependent therapeutics for leishmaniasis by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), mathematical modeling, network analysis, and other computational methods. Additionally, we have shown many databases for autophagy and metabolism in Leishmania parasites that suggest potential therapeutic targets for intricate signaling in the autophagy system. In a nutshell, the detailed understanding of the dynamics of autophagy in conjunction with lipids and miRNAs unfolds larger dimensions for future research.
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45
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Bhagat R, Marini S, Romero JR. Genetic considerations in cerebral small vessel diseases. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1080168. [PMID: 37168667 PMCID: PMC10164974 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1080168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) encompasses a broad clinical spectrum united by pathology of the small vessels of the brain. CSVD is commonly identified using brain magnetic resonance imaging with well characterized markers including covert infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, enlarged perivascular spaces, and cerebral microbleeds. The pathophysiology of CSVD is complex involving genetic determinants, environmental factors, and their interactions. While the role of vascular risk factors in CSVD is well known and its management is pivotal in mitigating the clinical effects, recent research has identified novel genetic factors involved in CSVD. Delineating genetic determinants can promote the understanding of the disease and suggest effective treatments and preventive measures of CSVD at the individual level. Here we review CSVD focusing on recent advances in the genetics of CSVD. The knowledge gained has advanced understanding of the pathophysiology of CSVD, offered promising early results that may improve subtype identification of small vessel strokes, has led to additional identification of mendelian forms of small vessel strokes, and is getting closer to influencing clinical care through pharmacogenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riwaj Bhagat
- Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sandro Marini
- Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José R. Romero
- Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- NHLBI’s Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: José R. Romero,
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46
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Reconfiguring the Challenge of Biological Complexity as a Resource for Biodesign. mSphere 2022; 7:e0054722. [PMID: 36472448 PMCID: PMC9769621 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00547-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological complexity is widely seen as the central, intractable challenge of engineering biology. Yet this challenge has been constructed through the field's dominant metaphors. Alternative ways of thinking-latent in progressive experimental approaches, but rarely articulated as such-could instead position complexity as engineering biology's greatest resource. We outline how assumptions about engineered microorganisms have been built into the field, carried by entrenched metaphors, even as contemporary methods move beyond them. We suggest that alternative metaphors would better align engineering biology's conceptual infrastructure with the field's move away from conventionally engineering-inspired methods toward biology-centric ones. Innovating new conceptual frameworks would also enable better aligning scientific work with higher-level conversations about that work. Such innovation-thinking about how engineering microbes might be more like user-centered design than like programming a computer or building a car-could highlight complexity as a resource to leverage, not a problem to erase or negate.
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47
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Zhou T, Liang Z, Marchisio MA. Engineering a two-gene system to operate as a highly sensitive biosensor or a sharp switch upon induction with β-estradiol. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21791. [PMID: 36526685 PMCID: PMC9758199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26195-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human estrogen receptor has been used for about thirty years, in the yeast S. cerevisiae, as a component of chimeric transcription factors. Its ligand, β-estradiol, permits to control the protein translocation into the nucleus and, as a consequence, the expression of the gene(s) targeted by the synthetic transcription factor. Activators that are orthogonal to the yeast genome have been realized by fusing the human estrogen receptor to an activation and a DNA-binding domain from bacteria, viruses, or higher eukaryotes. In this work, we optimized the working of a β-estradiol-sensing device-in terms of detection range and maximal output signal-where the human estrogen receptor is flanked by the bacterial protein LexA and either the strong VP64 (from herpes simplex virus) or the weaker B42 (from E. coli) activation domain. We enhanced the biosensor performance by thoroughly engineering both the chimeric activator and the reporter protein expression cassette. In particular, we constructed a synthetic promoter-where transcription is induced by the chimeric activators-based on the core sequence of the yeast CYC1 promoter, by tuning parameters such as the length of the 5' UTR, the distance between adjacent LexA binding sites (operators), and the spacing between the whole operator region and the main promoter TATA box. We found a configuration that works both as a highly sensitive biosensor and a sharp switch depending on the concentration of the chimeric activator and the strength of its activation domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Zhiying Liang
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2 Yikuang Street, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Mario Andrea Marchisio
- grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072 China
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48
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De novo engineering of a bacterial lifestyle program. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 19:488-497. [PMID: 36522463 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has shown remarkable potential to program living microorganisms for applications. However, a notable discrepancy exists between the current engineering practice-which focuses predominantly on planktonic cells-and the ubiquitous observation of microbes in nature that constantly alternate their lifestyles on environmental variations. Here we present the de novo construction of a synthetic genetic program that regulates bacterial life cycle and enables phase-specific gene expression. The program is orthogonal, harnessing an engineered protein from 45 candidates as the biofilm matrix building block. It is also highly controllable, allowing directed biofilm assembly and decomposition as well as responsive autonomous planktonic-biofilm phase transition. Coupling to synthesis modules, it is further programmable for various functional realizations that conjugate phase-specific biomolecular production with lifestyle alteration. This work establishes a versatile platform for microbial engineering across physiological regimes, thereby shedding light on a promising path for gene circuit applications in complex contexts.
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49
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How to grow (almost) anything: a hybrid distance learning model for global laboratory-based synthetic biology education. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1874-1879. [PMID: 36510008 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01601-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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50
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Toward predictive engineering of gene circuits. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 41:760-768. [PMID: 36435671 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many synthetic biology applications rely on programming living cells using gene circuits - the assembly and wiring of genetic elements to control cellular behaviors. Extensive progress has been made in constructing gene circuits with diverse functions and applications. For many circuit functions, however, it remains challenging to ensure that the circuits operate in a predictable manner. Although the notion of predictability may appear intuitive, close inspection suggests that it is not always clear what constitutes predictability. We dissect this concept and how it can be confounded by the complexity of a circuit, the complexity of the context, and the interplay between the two. We discuss circuit engineering strategies, in both computation and experiment, that have been used to improve the predictability of gene circuits.
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