1
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Padmakumar JP, Sun JJ, Cho W, Zhou Y, Krenz C, Han WZ, Densmore D, Sontag ED, Voigt CA. Partitioning of a 2-bit hash function across 66 communicating cells. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01730-1. [PMID: 39317847 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01730-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Powerful distributed computing can be achieved by communicating cells that individually perform simple operations. Here, we report design software to divide a large genetic circuit across cells as well as the genetic parts to implement the subcircuits in their genomes. These tools were demonstrated using a 2-bit version of the MD5 hashing algorithm, which is an early predecessor to the cryptographic functions underlying cryptocurrency. One iteration requires 110 logic gates, which were partitioned across 66 Escherichia coli strains, requiring the introduction of a total of 1.1 Mb of recombinant DNA into their genomes. The strains were individually experimentally verified to integrate their assigned input signals, process this information correctly and propagate the result to the cell in the next layer. This work demonstrates the potential to obtain programable control of multicellular biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai P Padmakumar
- MIT Microbiology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jessica J Sun
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - William Cho
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yangruirui Zhou
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Krenz
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Woo Zhong Han
- Department of Computer Science, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas Densmore
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eduardo D Sontag
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- MIT Microbiology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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2
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Hardo G, Li R, Bakshi S. Quantitative microbiology with widefield microscopy: navigating optical artefacts for accurate interpretations. NPJ IMAGING 2024; 2:26. [PMID: 39234390 PMCID: PMC11368818 DOI: 10.1038/s44303-024-00024-4] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Time-resolved live-cell imaging using widefield microscopy is instrumental in quantitative microbiology research. It allows researchers to track and measure the size, shape, and content of individual microbial cells over time. However, the small size of microbial cells poses a significant challenge in interpreting image data, as their dimensions approache that of the microscope's depth of field, and they begin to experience significant diffraction effects. As a result, 2D widefield images of microbial cells contain projected 3D information, blurred by the 3D point spread function. In this study, we employed simulations and targeted experiments to investigate the impact of diffraction and projection on our ability to quantify the size and content of microbial cells from 2D microscopic images. This study points to some new and often unconsidered artefacts resulting from the interplay of projection and diffraction effects, within the context of quantitative microbiology. These artefacts introduce substantial errors and biases in size, fluorescence quantification, and even single-molecule counting, making the elimination of these errors a complex task. Awareness of these artefacts is crucial for designing strategies to accurately interpret micrographs of microbes. To address this, we present new experimental designs and machine learning-based analysis methods that account for these effects, resulting in accurate quantification of microbiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgeos Hardo
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruizhe Li
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Somenath Bakshi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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3
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Park JH, Holló G, Schaerli Y. From resonance to chaos by modulating spatiotemporal patterns through a synthetic optogenetic oscillator. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7284. [PMID: 39179558 PMCID: PMC11343849 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51626-w] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Oscillations are a recurrent phenomenon in biological systems across scales, but deciphering their fundamental principles is very challenging. Here, we tackle this challenge by redesigning the wellcharacterised synthetic oscillator known as "repressilator" in Escherichia coli and controlling it using optogenetics, creating the "optoscillator". Bacterial colonies manifest oscillations as spatial ring patterns. When we apply periodic light pulses, the optoscillator behaves as a forced oscillator and we systematically investigate the properties of the rings under various light conditions. Combining experiments with mathematical modeling, we demonstrate that this simple oscillatory circuit can generate complex dynamics that are transformed into distinct spatial patterns. We report the observation of synchronisation, resonance, subharmonic resonance and period doubling. Furthermore, we present evidence of a chaotic regime. This work highlights the intricate spatiotemporal patterns accessible by synthetic oscillators and underscores the potential of our approach in revealing fundamental principles of biological oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hun Park
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gábor Holló
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Yolanda Schaerli
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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4
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Siguenza N, Brevi A, Zhang JT, Pabani A, Bhushan A, Das M, Ding Y, Hasty J, Ghosh P, Zarrinpar A. Engineered bacterial therapeutics for detecting and treating CRC. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:588-597. [PMID: 38693003 PMCID: PMC11392429 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Despite an overall decrease in occurrence, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most common cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Detection of CRC is difficult in high-risk groups, including those with genetic predispositions, with disease traits, or from certain demographics. There is emerging interest in using engineered bacteria to identify early CRC development, monitor changes in the adenoma and CRC microenvironment, and prevent cancer progression. Novel genetic circuits for cancer therapeutics or functions to enhance existing treatment modalities have been tested and verified in vitro and in vivo. Inclusion of biocontainment measures would prepare strains to meet therapeutic standards. Thus, engineered bacteria present an opportunity for detection and treatment of CRC lesions in a highly sensitive and specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Siguenza
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Arianna Brevi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joanna T Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Arman Pabani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abhinav Bhushan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Moumita Das
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yousong Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jeff Hasty
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amir Zarrinpar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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5
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Joshi SHN, Jenkins C, Ulaeto D, Gorochowski TE. Accelerating Genetic Sensor Development, Scale-up, and Deployment Using Synthetic Biology. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2024; 6:0037. [PMID: 38919711 PMCID: PMC11197468 DOI: 10.34133/bdr.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Living cells are exquisitely tuned to sense and respond to changes in their environment. Repurposing these systems to create engineered biosensors has seen growing interest in the field of synthetic biology and provides a foundation for many innovative applications spanning environmental monitoring to improved biobased production. In this review, we present a detailed overview of currently available biosensors and the methods that have supported their development, scale-up, and deployment. We focus on genetic sensors in living cells whose outputs affect gene expression. We find that emerging high-throughput experimental assays and evolutionary approaches combined with advanced bioinformatics and machine learning are establishing pipelines to produce genetic sensors for virtually any small molecule, protein, or nucleic acid. However, more complex sensing tasks based on classifying compositions of many stimuli and the reliable deployment of these systems into real-world settings remain challenges. We suggest that recent advances in our ability to precisely modify nonmodel organisms and the integration of proven control engineering principles (e.g., feedback) into the broader design of genetic sensing systems will be necessary to overcome these hurdles and realize the immense potential of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Jenkins
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - David Ulaeto
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - Thomas E. Gorochowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- BrisEngBio,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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6
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Prüser A, Rosmej S, Engel A. Nature of the Volcano Transition in the Fully Disordered Kuramoto Model. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:187201. [PMID: 38759180 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.187201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Randomly coupled phase oscillators may synchronize into disordered patterns of collective motion. We analyze this transition in a large, fully connected Kuramoto model with symmetric but otherwise independent random interactions. Using the dynamical cavity method, we reduce the dynamics to a stochastic single-oscillator problem with self-consistent correlation and response functions that we study analytically and numerically. We clarify the nature of the volcano transition and elucidate its relation to the existence of an oscillator glass phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Prüser
- Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institut für Physik, D26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rosmej
- Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institut für Physik, D26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Engel
- Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institut für Physik, D26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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7
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Zeng M, Sarker B, Howitz N, Shah I, Andrews LB. Synthetic Homoserine Lactone Sensors for Gram-Positive Bacillus subtilis Using LuxR-Type Regulators. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:282-299. [PMID: 38079538 PMCID: PMC10805106 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00504] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
A universal biochemical signal for bacterial cell-cell communication could facilitate programming dynamic responses in diverse bacterial consortia. However, the classical quorum sensing paradigm is that Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria generally communicate via homoserine lactones (HSLs) or oligopeptide molecular signals, respectively, to elicit population responses. Here, we create synthetic HSL sensors for Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis 168 using allosteric LuxR-type regulators (RpaR, LuxR, RhlR, and CinR) and synthetic promoters. Promoters were combinatorially designed from different sequence elements (-35, -16, -10, and transcriptional start regions). We quantified the effects of these combinatorial promoters on sensor activity and determined how regulator expression affects its activation, achieving up to 293-fold activation. Using the statistical design of experiments, we identified significant effects of promoter regions and pairwise interactions on sensor activity, which helped to understand the sequence-function relationships for synthetic promoter design. We present the first known set of functional HSL sensors (≥20-fold dynamic range) in B. subtilis for four different HSL chemical signals: p-coumaroyl-HSL, 3-oxohexanoyl-HSL, n-butyryl-HSL, and n-(3-hydroxytetradecanoyl)-HSL. This set of synthetic HSL sensors for a Gram-positive bacterium can pave the way for designable interspecies communication within microbial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Biprodev Sarker
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Nathaniel Howitz
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ishita Shah
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular
and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University
of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Biotechnology
Training Program, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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8
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Gyorgy A. Competition and evolutionary selection among core regulatory motifs in gene expression control. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8266. [PMID: 38092759 PMCID: PMC10719253 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene products that are beneficial in one environment may become burdensome in another, prompting the emergence of diverse regulatory schemes that carry their own bioenergetic cost. By ensuring that regulators are only expressed when needed, we demonstrate that autoregulation generally offers an advantage in an environment combining mutation and time-varying selection. Whether positive or negative feedback emerges as dominant depends primarily on the demand for the target gene product, typically to ensure that the detrimental impact of inevitable mutations is minimized. While self-repression of the regulator curbs the spread of these loss-of-function mutations, self-activation instead facilitates their propagation. By analyzing the transcription network of multiple model organisms, we reveal that reduced bioenergetic cost may contribute to the preferential selection of autoregulation among transcription factors. Our results not only uncover how seemingly equivalent regulatory motifs have fundamentally different impact on population structure, growth dynamics, and evolutionary outcomes, but they can also be leveraged to promote the design of evolutionarily robust synthetic gene circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Gyorgy
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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9
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Arboleda-García A, Alarcon-Ruiz I, Boada-Acosta L, Boada Y, Vignoni A, Jantus-Lewintre E. Advancements in synthetic biology-based bacterial cancer therapy: A modular design approach. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 190:104088. [PMID: 37541537 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104088] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to program living bacteria cells with artificial genetic circuits for user-defined functions, transforming them into powerful tools with numerous applications in various fields, including oncology. Cancer treatments have serious side effects on patients due to the systemic action of the drugs involved. To address this, new systems that provide localized antitumoral action while minimizing damage to healthy tissues are required. Bacteria, often considered pathogenic agents, have been used as cancer treatments since the early 20th century. Advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, microbiology, and oncology have improved bacterial therapies, making them safer and more effective. Here we propose six modules for a successful synthetic biology-based bacterial cancer therapy, the modules include Payload, Release, Tumor-targeting, Biocontainment, Memory, and Genetic Circuit Stability Module. These will ensure antitumor activity, safety for the environment and patient, prevent bacterial colonization, maintain cell stability, and prevent loss or defunctionalization of the genetic circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Arboleda-García
- Systems Biology and Biosystems Control Lab, Instituto de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
| | - Ivan Alarcon-Ruiz
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lissette Boada-Acosta
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe-Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yadira Boada
- Systems Biology and Biosystems Control Lab, Instituto de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vignoni
- Systems Biology and Biosystems Control Lab, Instituto de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain.
| | - Eloisa Jantus-Lewintre
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe-Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Doshi A, Shaw M, Tonea R, Moon S, Minyety R, Doshi A, Laine A, Guo J, Danino T. Engineered bacterial swarm patterns as spatial records of environmental inputs. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:878-886. [PMID: 37142806 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01325-2] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A diverse array of bacteria species naturally self-organize into durable macroscale patterns on solid surfaces via swarming motility-a highly coordinated and rapid movement of bacteria powered by flagella. Engineering swarming is an untapped opportunity to increase the scale and robustness of coordinated synthetic microbial systems. Here we engineer Proteus mirabilis, which natively forms centimeter-scale bullseye swarm patterns, to 'write' external inputs into visible spatial records. Specifically, we engineer tunable expression of swarming-related genes that modify pattern features, and we develop quantitative approaches to decoding. Next, we develop a dual-input system that modulates two swarming-related genes simultaneously, and we separately show that growing colonies can record dynamic environmental changes. We decode the resulting multicondition patterns with deep classification and segmentation models. Finally, we engineer a strain that records the presence of aqueous copper. This work creates an approach for building macroscale bacterial recorders, expanding the framework for engineering emergent microbial behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Doshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Marian Shaw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Ruxandra Tonea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Soonhee Moon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Rosalía Minyety
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Anish Doshi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Laine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.
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11
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Ricci-Tam C, Kuipa S, Kostman MP, Aronson MS, Sgro AE. Microbial models of development: Inspiration for engineering self-assembled synthetic multicellularity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 141:50-62. [PMID: 35537929 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.014] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
While the field of synthetic developmental biology has traditionally focused on the study of the rich developmental processes seen in metazoan systems, an attractive alternate source of inspiration comes from microbial developmental models. Microbes face unique lifestyle challenges when forming emergent multicellular collectives. As a result, the solutions they employ can inspire the design of novel multicellular systems. In this review, we dissect the strategies employed in multicellular development by two model microbial systems: the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum and the biofilm-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Both microbes face similar challenges but often have different solutions, both from metazoan systems and from each other, to create emergent multicellularity. These challenges include assembling and sustaining a critical mass of participating individuals to support development, regulating entry into development, and assigning cell fates. The mechanisms these microbial systems exploit to robustly coordinate development under a wide range of conditions offer inspiration for a new toolbox of solutions to the synthetic development community. Additionally, recreating these phenomena synthetically offers a pathway to understanding the key principles underlying how these behaviors are coordinated naturally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ricci-Tam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sophia Kuipa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Maya Peters Kostman
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mark S Aronson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Allyson E Sgro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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12
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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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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13
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Maity D, Guha Ray P, Buchmann P, Mansouri M, Fussenegger M. Blood-Glucose-Powered Metabolic Fuel Cell for Self-Sufficient Bioelectronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300890. [PMID: 36893359 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently available bioelectronic devices consume too much power to be continuously operated on rechargeable batteries, and are often powered wirelessly, with attendant issues regarding reliability, convenience, and mobility. Thus, the availability of a robust, self-sufficient, implantable electrical power generator that works under physiological conditions would be transformative for many applications, from driving bioelectronic implants and prostheses to programing cellular behavior and patients' metabolism. Here, capitalizing on a new copper-containing, conductively tuned 3D carbon nanotube composite, an implantable blood-glucose-powered metabolic fuel cell is designed that continuously monitors blood-glucose levels, converts excess glucose into electrical power during hyperglycemia, and produces sufficient energy (0.7 mW cm-2 , 0.9 V, 50 mm glucose) to drive opto- and electro-genetic regulation of vesicular insulin release from engineered beta cells. It is shown that this integration of blood-glucose monitoring with elimination of excessive blood glucose by combined electro-metabolic conversion and insulin-release-mediated cellular consumption enables the metabolic fuel cell to restore blood-glucose homeostasis in an automatic, self-sufficient, and closed-loop manner in an experimental model of type-1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasis Maity
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Preetam Guha Ray
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Peter Buchmann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Maysam Mansouri
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
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14
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Tzouvadaki I, Prodromakis T. Large-scale nano-biosensing technologies. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2023.1127363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoscale technologies have brought significant advancements to modern diagnostics, enabling unprecedented bio-chemical sensitivities that are key to disease monitoring. At the same time, miniaturized biosensors and their integration across large areas enabled tessellating these into high-density biosensing panels, a key capability for the development of high throughput monitoring: multiple patients as well as multiple analytes per patient. This review provides a critical overview of various nanoscale biosensing technologies and their ability to unlock high testing throughput without compromising detection resilience. We report on the challenges and opportunities each technology presents along this direction and present a detailed analysis on the prospects of both commercially available and emerging biosensing technologies.
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15
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Qin Y, You SH, Zhang Y, Venu A, Hong Y, Min JJ. Genetic Programming by Nitric Oxide-Sensing Gene Switch System in Tumor-Targeting Bacteria. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:266. [PMID: 36832032 PMCID: PMC9954711 DOI: 10.3390/bios13020266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in synthetic biology has enabled bacteria to respond to specific disease signals to perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic tasks. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) colonization of tumors results in increases in nitric oxide (NO) levels, suggesting that NO may act as a candidate inducer of tumor-specific gene expression. The present study describes a NO-sensing gene switch system for triggering tumor-specific gene expression in an attenuated strain of S. Typhimurium. The genetic circuit was designed to sense NO via NorR, thus initiating the expression of FimE DNA recombinase. This was found to lead sequentially to the unidirectional inversion of a promoter region (fimS), which induced the expression of target genes. Target gene expression in bacteria transformed with the NO-sensing switch system was triggered in the presence of a chemical source of NO, diethylenetriamine/nitric oxide (DETA/NO) in vitro. In vivo results revealed that the gene expression is tumor-targeted, and specific to NO generated by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) after S. Typhimurium colonization. These results showed that NO was a promising inducer to finely tune the expression of target genes carried by tumor-targeting bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeshan Qin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan You
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Akhil Venu
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongjin Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Chonnam National University Graduate School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
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16
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Pikovsky A, Rosenblum M. Introduction to Focus Issue: Dynamics of oscillator populations. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2023; 33:010401. [PMID: 36725636 DOI: 10.1063/5.0139277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Even after about 50 years of intensive research, the dynamics of oscillator populations remain one of the most popular topics in nonlinear science. This Focus Issue brings together studies on such diverse aspects of the problem as low-dimensional description, effects of noise and disorder on synchronization transition, control of synchrony, the emergence of chimera states and chaotic regimes, stability of power grids, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkady Pikovsky
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24/25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Michael Rosenblum
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24/25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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17
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Hardo G, Noka M, Bakshi S. Synthetic Micrographs of Bacteria (SyMBac) allows accurate segmentation of bacterial cells using deep neural networks. BMC Biol 2022; 20:263. [PMID: 36447211 PMCID: PMC9710168 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01453-6] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep-learning-based image segmentation models are required for accurate processing of high-throughput timelapse imaging data of bacterial cells. However, the performance of any such model strictly depends on the quality and quantity of training data, which is difficult to generate for bacterial cell images. Here, we present a novel method of bacterial image segmentation using machine learning models trained with Synthetic Micrographs of Bacteria (SyMBac). RESULTS We have developed SyMBac, a tool that allows for rapid, automatic creation of arbitrary amounts of training data, combining detailed models of cell growth, physical interactions, and microscope optics to create synthetic images which closely resemble real micrographs, and is capable of training accurate image segmentation models. The major advantages of our approach are as follows: (1) synthetic training data can be generated virtually instantly and on demand; (2) these synthetic images are accompanied by perfect ground truth positions of cells, meaning no data curation is required; (3) different biological conditions, imaging platforms, and imaging modalities can be rapidly simulated, meaning any change in one's experimental setup no longer requires the laborious process of manually generating new training data for each change. Deep-learning models trained with SyMBac data are capable of analysing data from various imaging platforms and are robust to drastic changes in cell size and morphology. Our benchmarking results demonstrate that models trained on SyMBac data generate more accurate cell identifications and precise cell masks than those trained on human-annotated data, because the model learns the true position of the cell irrespective of imaging artefacts. We illustrate the approach by analysing the growth and size regulation of bacterial cells during entry and exit from dormancy, which revealed novel insights about the physiological dynamics of cells under various growth conditions. CONCLUSIONS The SyMBac approach will help to adapt and improve the performance of deep-learning-based image segmentation models for accurate processing of high-throughput timelapse image data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgeos Hardo
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maximilian Noka
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - Somenath Bakshi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Cestnik R, Pikovsky A. Exact finite-dimensional reduction for a population of noisy oscillators and its link to Ott-Antonsen and Watanabe-Strogatz theories. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2022; 32:113126. [PMID: 36456354 DOI: 10.1063/5.0106171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Populations of globally coupled phase oscillators are described in the thermodynamic limit by kinetic equations for the distribution densities or, equivalently, by infinite hierarchies of equations for the order parameters. Ott and Antonsen [Chaos 18, 037113 (2008)] have found an invariant finite-dimensional subspace on which the dynamics is described by one complex variable per population. For oscillators with Cauchy distributed frequencies or for those driven by Cauchy white noise, this subspace is weakly stable and, thus, describes the asymptotic dynamics. Here, we report on an exact finite-dimensional reduction of the dynamics outside of the Ott-Antonsen subspace. We show that the evolution from generic initial states can be reduced to that of three complex variables, plus a constant function. For identical noise-free oscillators, this reduction corresponds to the Watanabe-Strogatz system of equations [Watanabe and Strogatz, Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 2391 (1993)]. We discuss how the reduced system can be used to explore the transient dynamics of perturbed ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Cestnik
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24/25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Arkady Pikovsky
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24/25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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19
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Allard P, Papazotos F, Potvin-Trottier L. Microfluidics for long-term single-cell time-lapse microscopy: Advances and applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:968342. [PMID: 36312536 PMCID: PMC9597311 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.968342] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are inherently dynamic, whether they are responding to environmental conditions or simply at equilibrium, with biomolecules constantly being made and destroyed. Due to their small volumes, the chemical reactions inside cells are stochastic, such that genetically identical cells display heterogeneous behaviors and gene expression profiles. Studying these dynamic processes is challenging, but the development of microfluidic methods enabling the tracking of individual prokaryotic cells with microscopy over long time periods under controlled growth conditions has led to many discoveries. This review focuses on the recent developments of one such microfluidic device nicknamed the mother machine. We overview the original device design, experimental setup, and challenges associated with this platform. We then describe recent methods for analyzing experiments using automated image segmentation and tracking. We further discuss modifications to the experimental setup that allow for time-varying environmental control, replicating batch culture conditions, cell screening based on their dynamic behaviors, and to accommodate a variety of microbial species. Finally, this review highlights the discoveries enabled by this technology in diverse fields, such as cell-size control, genetic mutations, cellular aging, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Allard
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Fotini Papazotos
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Laurent Potvin-Trottier
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Laurent Potvin-Trottier,
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20
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Chamlagai PR, Taylor D, Skardal PS. Grass-roots optimization of coupled oscillator networks. Phys Rev E 2022; 106:034202. [PMID: 36266841 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.106.034202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of biological and physical systems for which synchronization is critical, existing theory for optimizing synchrony depends on global information and does not sufficiently explore local mechanisms that enhance synchronization. Thus, there is a lack of understanding for the self-organized, collective processes that aim to optimize or repair synchronous systems, e.g., the dynamics of paracrine signaling within cardiac cells. Here we present "grass-roots" optimization of synchronization, which is a multiscale mechanism in which local optimizations of smaller subsystems cooperate to collectively optimize an entire system. Considering models of cardiac tissue and a power grid, we show that grass-roots-optimized systems are comparable to globally optimized systems, but they also have the added benefit of being robust to targeted attacks or subsystem islanding. Our findings motivate and support further investigation into the physics of local mechanisms that can support self-optimization for complex systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranick R Chamlagai
- Department of Mathematics, Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut 06106, USA
| | - Dane Taylor
- Department of Mathematics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
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21
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Han C, Zhang X, Pang G, Zhang Y, Pan H, Li L, Cui M, Liu B, Kang R, Xue X, Sun T, Liu J, Chang J, Zhao P, Wang H. Hydrogel microcapsules containing engineered bacteria for sustained production and release of protein drugs. Biomaterials 2022; 287:121619. [PMID: 35700622 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Subcutaneous administration of sustained-release formulations is a common strategy for protein drugs, which avoids first pass effect and has high bioavailability. However, conventional sustained-release strategies can only load a limited amount of drug, leading to insufficient durability. Herein, we developed microcapsules based on engineered bacteria for sustained release of protein drugs. Engineered bacteria were carried in microcapsules for subcutaneous administration, with a production-lysis circuit for sustained protein production and release. Administrated in diabetic rats, engineered bacteria microcapsules was observed to smoothly release Exendin-4 for 2 weeks and reduce blood glucose. In another example, by releasing subunit vaccines with bacterial microcomponents as vehicles, engineered bacterial microcapsules activated specific immunity in mice and achieved tumor prevention. The engineered bacteria microcapsules have potential to durably release protein drugs and show versatility on the size of drugs. It might be a promising design strategy for long-acting in situ drug factory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Han
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Gaoju Pang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Huizhuo Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lianyue Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Meihui Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Baona Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ruru Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xin Xue
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jin Chang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Peiqi Zhao
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Hanjie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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22
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Deter HS, Lu T. Engineering microbial consortia with rationally designed cellular interactions. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 76:102730. [PMID: 35609504 PMCID: PMC10129393 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic microbial consortia represent a frontier of synthetic biology that promises versatile engineering of cellular functions. They are primarily developed through the design and construction of cellular interactions that coordinate individual dynamics and generate collective behaviors. Here we review recent advances in the engineering of synthetic communities through cellular-interaction programming. We first examine fundamental building blocks for intercellular communication and unidirectional positive and negative interactions. We then recap the assembly of the building blocks for creating bidirectional interactions in two-species ecosystems, which is followed by the discussion of engineering toward complex communities with increasing species numbers, under spatial contexts, and via model-guided design. We conclude by summarizing major challenges and future opportunities of engineered microbial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather S Deter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Physics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Urbana, IL, USA.
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23
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Liu X, Inda ME, Lai Y, Lu TK, Zhao X. Engineered Living Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201326. [PMID: 35243704 PMCID: PMC9250645 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Living biological systems, ranging from single cells to whole organisms, can sense, process information, and actuate in response to changing environmental conditions. Inspired by living biological systems, engineered living cells and nonliving matrices are brought together, which gives rise to the technology of engineered living materials. By designing the functionalities of living cells and the structures of nonliving matrices, engineered living materials can be created to detect variability in the surrounding environment and to adjust their functions accordingly, thereby enabling applications in health monitoring, disease treatment, and environmental remediation. Hydrogels, a class of soft, wet, and biocompatible materials, have been widely used as matrices for engineered living cells, leading to the nascent field of engineered living hydrogels. Here, the interactions between hydrogel matrices and engineered living cells are described, focusing on how hydrogels influence cell behaviors and how cells affect hydrogel properties. The interactions between engineered living hydrogels and their environments, and how these interactions enable versatile applications, are also discussed. Finally, current challenges facing the field of engineered living hydrogels for their applications in clinical and environmental settings are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Maria Eugenia Inda
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yong Lai
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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24
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Hartmann FSF, Udugama IA, Seibold GM, Sugiyama H, Gernaey KV. Digital models in biotechnology: Towards multi-scale integration and implementation. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108015. [PMID: 35781047 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Industrial biotechnology encompasses a large area of multi-scale and multi-disciplinary research activities. With the recent megatrend of digitalization sweeping across all industries, there is an increased focus in the biotechnology industry on developing, integrating and applying digital models to improve all aspects of industrial biotechnology. Given the rapid development of this field, we systematically classify the state-of-art modelling concepts applied at different scales in industrial biotechnology and critically discuss their current usage, advantages and limitations. Further, we critically analyzed current strategies to couple cell models with computational fluid dynamics to study the performance of industrial microorganisms in large-scale bioprocesses, which is of crucial importance for the bio-based production industries. One of the most challenging aspects in this context is gathering intracellular data under industrially relevant conditions. Towards comprehensive models, we discuss how different scale-down concepts combined with appropriate analytical tools can capture intracellular states of single cells. We finally illustrated how the efforts could be used to develop digitals models suitable for both cell factory design and process optimization at industrial scales in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian S F Hartmann
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Building 223, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Isuru A Udugama
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan; Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Building 228 A, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Gerd M Seibold
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Building 223, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hirokazu Sugiyama
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Krist V Gernaey
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Building 228 A, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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25
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Chen H, Li Y, Wang Y, Ning P, Shen Y, Wei X, Feng Q, Liu Y, Li Z, Xu C, Huang S, Deng C, Wang P, Cheng Y. An Engineered Bacteria-Hybrid Microrobot with the Magnetothermal Bioswitch for Remotely Collective Perception and Imaging-Guided Cancer Treatment. ACS NANO 2022; 16:6118-6133. [PMID: 35343677 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c11601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microrobots driven by multiple propelling forces hold great potential for noninvasively targeted delivery in the physiologic environment. However, the remotely collective perception and precise propelling in a low Reynold's number bioenvironment remain the major challenges of microrobots to achieve desired therapeutic effects in vivo. Here, we reported a biohybrid microrobot that integrated with magnetic, thermal, and hypoxia sensitivities and an internal fluorescent protein as the dual reporter of thermal and positioning signals for targeted cancer treatment. There were three key elements in the microrobotic system, including the magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-loaded probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle1917 (EcN@MNP) for spatially magnetic and hypoxia perception, a thermal-logic circuit engineered into the bacteria to control the biosynthesis of mCherry as the temperature and positioning reporter, and NDH-2 enzyme encoded in the EcN for enhanced anticancer therapy. According to the fluorescent-protein-based imaging feedback, the microrobot showed good thermal sensitivity and active targeting ability to the tumor area in a collective manner under the magnetic field. The cancer cell apoptosis was efficiently triggered in vitro and in vivo by the hybrid microrobot coupled with the effects of magnetothermal ablation and NDH-2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. Our study demonstrates that the biohybrid EcN microrobot is an ideal platform to integrate the physical, biological, and chemical properties for collective perception and propelling in targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Chen
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yingze Li
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yanjin Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Peng Ning
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yajing Shen
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xueyan Wei
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Qishuai Feng
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yali Liu
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhenguang Li
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Siyu Huang
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Cuijun Deng
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, China
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26
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Jeong EM, Song YM, Kim JK. Combined multiple transcriptional repression mechanisms generate ultrasensitivity and oscillations. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20210084. [PMID: 35450279 PMCID: PMC9010851 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional repression can occur via various mechanisms, such as blocking, sequestration and displacement. For instance, the repressors can hold the activators to prevent binding with DNA or can bind to the DNA-bound activators to block their transcriptional activity. Although the transcription can be completely suppressed with a single mechanism, multiple repression mechanisms are used together to inhibit transcriptional activators in many systems, such as circadian clocks and NF-κB oscillators. This raises the question of what advantages arise if seemingly redundant repression mechanisms are combined. Here, by deriving equations describing the multiple repression mechanisms, we find that their combination can synergistically generate a sharply ultrasensitive transcription response and thus strong oscillations. This rationalizes why the multiple repression mechanisms are used together in various biological oscillators. The critical role of such combined transcriptional repression for strong oscillations is further supported by our analysis of formerly identified mutations disrupting the transcriptional repression of the mammalian circadian clock. The hitherto unrecognized source of the ultrasensitivity, the combined transcriptional repressions, can lead to robust synthetic oscillators with a previously unachievable simple design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui Min Jeong
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Min Song
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kyoung Kim
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
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27
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Gangan MS, Vasconcelos MM, Mitra U, Câmara O, Boedicker JQ. Intertemporal trade-off between population growth rate and carrying capacity during public good production. iScience 2022; 25:104117. [PMID: 35391831 PMCID: PMC8980746 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104117] [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: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Public goods are biomolecules that benefit cellular populations, such as by providing access to previously unutilized resources. Public good production is energetically costly. To reduce this cost, populations control public good biosynthesis, for example using density-dependent regulation accomplished by quorum sensing. Fitness costs and benefits of public good production must be balanced, similar to optimal investment decisions used in economics. We explore the regulation of a public good that increases the carrying capacity, through experimental measurements of growth in Escherichia coli and analysis using a modified logistic growth model. The timing of public good production showed a sharply peaked optimum in population fitness. The cell density associated with maximum public good benefits was determined by the trade-off between the cost of public good production, in terms of reduced growth rate, and benefits received from public goods, in the form of increased carrying capacity. Public good production creates trade-off between growth rate and carrying capacity Cell density-dependent regulation times the production to optimize this trade-off At this time, benefits of public good are maximum and received instantaneously
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi S. Gangan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marcos M. Vasconcelos
- Commonweath Cyber-Initiative and Bradley Department of Electrical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Urbashi Mitra
- Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Odilon Câmara
- USC Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James Q. Boedicker
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Corresponding author
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28
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Moya-Ramírez I, Kotidis P, Marbiah M, Kim J, Kontoravdi C, Polizzi K. Polymer Encapsulation of Bacterial Biosensors Enables Coculture with Mammalian Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1303-1312. [PMID: 35245022 PMCID: PMC9007569 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Coexistence of different populations of cells and isolation of tasks can provide enhanced robustness and adaptability or impart new functionalities to a culture. However, generating stable cocultures involving cells with vastly different growth rates can be challenging. To address this, we developed living analytics in a multilayer polymer shell (LAMPS), an encapsulation method that facilitates the coculture of mammalian and bacterial cells. We leverage LAMPS to preprogram a separation of tasks within the coculture: growth and therapeutic protein production by the mammalian cells and l-lactate biosensing by Escherichia coli encapsulated within LAMPS. LAMPS enable the formation of a synthetic bacterial-mammalian cell interaction that enables a living biosensor to be integrated into a biomanufacturing process. Our work serves as a proof-of-concept for further applications in bioprocessing since LAMPS combine the simplicity and flexibility of a bacterial biosensor with a viable method to prevent runaway growth that would disturb mammalian cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Moya-Ramírez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Pavlos Kotidis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Masue Marbiah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Juhyun Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Cleo Kontoravdi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Polizzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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29
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Lezia A, Csicsery N, Hasty J. Design, mutate, screen: Multiplexed creation and arrayed screening of synchronized genetic clocks. Cell Syst 2022; 13:365-375.e5. [PMID: 35320733 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A major goal in synthetic biology is coordinating cellular behavior using cell-cell interactions; however, designing and testing complex genetic circuits that function only in large populations remains challenging. Although directed evolution has commonly supplemented rational design methods for synthetic gene circuits, this method relies on the efficient screening of mutant libraries for desired phenotypes. Recently, multiple techniques have been developed for identifying dynamic phenotypes from large, pooled libraries. These technologies have advanced library screening for single-cell, time-varying phenotypes but are currently incompatible with population-level phenotypes dependent on cell-cell communication. Here, we utilize directed mutagenesis and multiplexed microfluidics to develop an arrayed-screening workflow for dynamic, population-level genetic circuits. Specifically, we create a mutant library of an existing oscillator, the synchronized lysis circuit, and discover variants with different period-amplitude characteristics. Lastly, we utilize our screening workflow to construct a transcriptionally regulated synchronized oscillator that functions over long timescales. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lezia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Csicsery
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeff Hasty
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; BioCircuits Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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30
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Chen M, Liu H, Wang R. Dynamical behaviors of quorum sensing network mediated by combinatorial perturbation. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:4812-4840. [PMID: 35430842 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The dynamical behaviors of the quorum sensing (QS) system are closely related to the release drugs and control the PH value in microorganisms and plants. However, the effect of the main molecules AiiA, LuxI, H$ _2 $O$ _2 $, and time delayed individual and combinatorial perturbation on the QS system dynamics and the above-mentioned biological phenomena is still unclear, which are seen as a key consideration in our paper. This paper formulates a QS computational model by incorporating these several substances. First, for the protein production time delay, a critical value is given by Hopf bifurcation theory. It is found that a larger time delay can lead to a larger amplitude and a longer period. This indicates that the length of time for protein synthesis has a regulatory effect on the release of drugs from the bacterial population. Second, hen the concentrations of AiiA, LuxI, and H$ _2 $O$ _2 $ is modulated individually, the QS system undergoes periodic oscillation and bistable state. Meanwhile, oscillatory and bistable regions can be significantly affected by simultaneously perturbing any two parameters related to AiiA, LuxI, and H$ _2 $O$ _2 $. This means that the individual or simultaneous changes of the three intrinsic molecular concentrations can effectively control the drugs release and the PH value in microorganisms and plants. Finally, the sensitivity relationship between the critical value of the delay and AiiA, LuxI, H$ _2 $O$ _2 $ parameters is analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Chen
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haihong Liu
- Department of Mathematics, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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31
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Aydin O, Passaro AP, Raman R, Spellicy SE, Weinberg RP, Kamm RD, Sample M, Truskey GA, Zartman J, Dar RD, Palacios S, Wang J, Tordoff J, Montserrat N, Bashir R, Saif MTA, Weiss R. Principles for the design of multicellular engineered living systems. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:010903. [PMID: 35274072 PMCID: PMC8893975 DOI: 10.1063/5.0076635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress in bioengineering over the past two decades has enabled the formulation of fundamental design principles for a variety of medical and non-medical applications. These advancements have laid the foundation for building multicellular engineered living systems (M-CELS) from biological parts, forming functional modules integrated into living machines. These cognizant design principles for living systems encompass novel genetic circuit manipulation, self-assembly, cell-cell/matrix communication, and artificial tissues/organs enabled through systems biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, genetic engineering, and microfluidics. Here, we introduce design principles and a blueprint for forward production of robust and standardized M-CELS, which may undergo variable reiterations through the classic design-build-test-debug cycle. This Review provides practical and theoretical frameworks to forward-design, control, and optimize novel M-CELS. Potential applications include biopharmaceuticals, bioreactor factories, biofuels, environmental bioremediation, cellular computing, biohybrid digital technology, and experimental investigations into mechanisms of multicellular organisms normally hidden inside the "black box" of living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin P. Passaro
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Ritu Raman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | | | - Robert P. Weinberg
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | | - Matthew Sample
- Center for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jeremiah Zartman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Roy D. Dar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Sebastian Palacios
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Jason Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Jesse Tordoff
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Nuria Montserrat
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - M. Taher A. Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Ron Weiss
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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32
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CRISPR-Based Genetic Switches and Other Complex Circuits: Research and Application. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111255. [PMID: 34833131 PMCID: PMC8621321 DOI: 10.3390/life11111255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based enzymes have offered a unique capability to the design of genetic switches, with advantages in designability, modularity and orthogonality. CRISPR-based genetic switches operate on multiple levels of life, including transcription and translation. In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, deactivated CRISPR endonuclease and endoribonuclease have served in genetic switches for activating or repressing gene expression, at both transcriptional and translational levels. With these genetic switches, more complex circuits have been assembled to achieve sophisticated functions including inducible switches, non-linear response and logical biocomputation. As more CRISPR enzymes continue to be excavated, CRISPR-based genetic switches will be used in a much wider range of applications.
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33
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Smirnov LA, Bolotov MI, Osipov GV, Pikovsky A. Disorder fosters chimera in an array of motile particles. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:034205. [PMID: 34654180 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.034205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We consider an array of nonlocally coupled oscillators on a ring, which for equally spaced units possesses a Kuramoto-Battogtokh chimera regime and a synchronous state. We demonstrate that disorder in oscillators positions leads to a transition from the synchronous to the chimera state. For a static (quenched) disorder we find that the probability of synchrony survival depends on the number of particles, from nearly zero at small populations to one in the thermodynamic limit. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the synchrony gets destroyed for randomly (ballistically or diffusively) moving oscillators. We show that, depending on the number of oscillators, there are different scalings of the transition time with this number and the velocity of the units.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Smirnov
- Department of Control Theory, Research and Education Mathematical Center "Mathematics for Future Technologies", Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarin Avenue 23, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ul'yanov Street 46, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - M I Bolotov
- Department of Control Theory, Research and Education Mathematical Center "Mathematics for Future Technologies", Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarin Avenue 23, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - G V Osipov
- Department of Control Theory, Research and Education Mathematical Center "Mathematics for Future Technologies", Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarin Avenue 23, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - A Pikovsky
- Department of Control Theory, Research and Education Mathematical Center "Mathematics for Future Technologies", Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarin Avenue 23, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Potsdam University, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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34
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Kwong GA, Ghosh S, Gamboa L, Patriotis C, Srivastava S, Bhatia SN. Synthetic biomarkers: a twenty-first century path to early cancer detection. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:655-668. [PMID: 34489588 PMCID: PMC8791024 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00389-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Detection of cancer at an early stage when it is still localized improves patient response to medical interventions for most cancer types. The success of screening tools such as cervical cytology to reduce mortality has spurred significant interest in new methods for early detection (for example, using non-invasive blood-based or biofluid-based biomarkers). Yet biomarkers shed from early lesions are limited by fundamental biological and mass transport barriers - such as short circulation times and blood dilution - that limit early detection. To address this issue, synthetic biomarkers are being developed. These represent an emerging class of diagnostics that deploy bioengineered sensors inside the body to query early-stage tumours and amplify disease signals to levels that could potentially exceed those of shed biomarkers. These strategies leverage design principles and advances from chemistry, synthetic biology and cell engineering. In this Review, we discuss the rationale for development of biofluid-based synthetic biomarkers. We examine how these strategies harness dysregulated features of tumours to amplify detection signals, use tumour-selective activation to increase specificity and leverage natural processing of bodily fluids (for example, blood, urine and proximal fluids) for easy detection. Finally, we highlight the challenges that exist for preclinical development and clinical translation of synthetic biomarker diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Kwong
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- The Georgia Immunoengineering Consortium, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Sharmistha Ghosh
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Lena Gamboa
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christos Patriotis
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sudhir Srivastava
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Sangeeta N Bhatia
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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35
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Abstract
Circadian clocks are important to much of life on Earth and are of inherent interest to humanity, implicated in fields ranging from agriculture and ecology to developmental biology and medicine. New techniques show that it is not simply the presence of clocks, but coordination between them that is critical for complex physiological processes across the kingdoms of life. Recent years have also seen impressive advances in synthetic biology to the point where parallels can be drawn between synthetic biological and circadian oscillators. This review will emphasize theoretical and experimental studies that have revealed a fascinating dichotomy of coupling and heterogeneity among circadian clocks. We will also consolidate the fields of chronobiology and synthetic biology, discussing key design principles of their respective oscillators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris N Micklem
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LR, UK.,The Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CH3 0HE, UK
| | - James C W Locke
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LR, UK
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36
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Winkle JJ, Karamched BR, Bennett MR, Ott W, Josić K. Emergent spatiotemporal population dynamics with cell-length control of synthetic microbial consortia. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009381. [PMID: 34550968 PMCID: PMC8489724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased complexity of synthetic microbial biocircuits highlights the need for distributed cell functionality due to concomitant increases in metabolic and regulatory burdens imposed on single-strain topologies. Distributed systems, however, introduce additional challenges since consortium composition and spatiotemporal dynamics of constituent strains must be robustly controlled to achieve desired circuit behaviors. Here, we address these challenges with a modeling-based investigation of emergent spatiotemporal population dynamics using cell-length control in monolayer, two-strain bacterial consortia. We demonstrate that with dynamic control of a strain's division length, nematic cell alignment in close-packed monolayers can be destabilized. We find that this destabilization confers an emergent, competitive advantage to smaller-length strains-but by mechanisms that differ depending on the spatial patterns of the population. We used complementary modeling approaches to elucidate underlying mechanisms: an agent-based model to simulate detailed mechanical and signaling interactions between the competing strains, and a reductive, stochastic lattice model to represent cell-cell interactions with a single rotational parameter. Our modeling suggests that spatial strain-fraction oscillations can be generated when cell-length control is coupled to quorum-sensing signaling in negative feedback topologies. Our research employs novel methods of population control and points the way to programming strain fraction dynamics in consortial synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Winkle
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bhargav R Karamched
- Department of Mathematics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Matthew R Bennett
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - William Ott
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Krešimir Josić
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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37
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Bao SH, Jiang H, Zhu LY, Yao G, Han PG, Wan XK, Wang K, Song TY, Liu CJ, Wang S, Zhang ZY, Zhang DY, Meng E. A dynamic and multilocus metabolic regulation strategy using quorum-sensing-controlled bacterial small RNA. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109413. [PMID: 34289355 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic regulation strategies have been developed to redirect metabolic fluxes to production pathways. However, it is difficult to screen out target genes that, when repressed, improve yield without affecting cell growth. Here, we report a strategy using a quorum-sensing system to control small RNA transcription, allowing cell-density-dependent repression of target genes. This strategy is shown with convenient operation, dynamic repression, and availability for simultaneous regulation of multiple genes. The parameters Ai, Am, and RA (3-oxohexanoyl-homoserine lactone [AHL] concentrations at which half of the maximum repression and the maximum repression were reached and value of the maximum repression when AHL was added manually, respectively) are defined and introduced to characterize repression curves, and the variant LuxRI58N is identified as the most suitable tuning factor for shake flask culture. Moreover, it is shown that dynamic overexpression of the Hfq chaperone is the key to combinatorial repression without disruptions on cell growth. To show a broad applicability, the production titers of pinene, pentalenene, and psilocybin are improved by 365.3%, 79.5%, and 302.9%, respectively, by applying combinatorial dynamic repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Heng Bao
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, PRC
| | - Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, PRC
| | - Ling-Yun Zhu
- College of Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, PRC
| | - Ge Yao
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, PRC
| | - Peng-Gang Han
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, PRC
| | - Xiu-Kun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, PRC
| | - Kang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, PRC
| | - Tian-Yu Song
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, PRC
| | - Chang-Jun Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops, Genetic Improvement, and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan 411201, PRC
| | - Shan Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops, Genetic Improvement, and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan 411201, PRC
| | - Zhe-Yang Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops, Genetic Improvement, and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan 411201, PRC
| | - Dong-Yi Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops, Genetic Improvement, and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan 411201, PRC; College of Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, PRC.
| | - Er Meng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops, Genetic Improvement, and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan 411201, PRC.
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38
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Ng CK, Putra SL, Kennerley J, Habgood R, Roy RA, Raymond JL, Thompson IP, Huang WE. Genetic engineering biofilms in situ using ultrasound-mediated DNA delivery. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1580-1593. [PMID: 33993638 PMCID: PMC8313276 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to directly modify native and established biofilms has enormous potential in understanding microbial ecology and application of biofilm in 'real-world' systems. However, efficient genetic transformation of established biofilms at any scale remains challenging. In this study, we applied an ultrasound-mediated DNA delivery (UDD) technique to introduce plasmid to established non-competent biofilms in situ. Two different plasmids containing genes coding for superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) and the flavin synthesis pathway were introduced into established bacterial biofilms in microfluidic flow (transformation efficiency of 3.9 ± 0.3 × 10-7 cells in biofilm) and microbial fuel cells (MFCs), respectively, both employing UDD. Gene expression and functional effects of genetically modified bacterial biofilms were observed, where some cells in UDD-treated Pseudomonas putida UWC1 biofilms expressed sfGFP in flow cells and UDD-treated Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 biofilms generated significantly (P < 0.05) greater (61%) bioelectricity production (21.9 ± 1.2 µA cm-2 ) in MFC than a wild-type control group (~ 13.6 ± 1.6 µA cm-2 ). The effects of UDD were amplified in subsequent growth under selection pressure due to antibiotic resistance and metabolism enhancement. UDD-induced gene transfer on biofilms grown in both microbial flow cells and MFC systems was successfully demonstrated, with working volumes of 0.16 cm3 and 300 cm3 , respectively, demonstrating a significant scale-up in operating volume. This is the first study to report on a potentially scalable direct genetic engineering method for established non-competent biofilms, which can be exploited in enhancing their capability towards environmental, industrial and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Kiat Ng
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou Industrial ParkJiangsu215123P.R. China
| | - Samuel L. Putra
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
| | - Joseph Kennerley
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
| | - Robert Habgood
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
| | - Ronald A. Roy
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou Industrial ParkJiangsu215123P.R. China
| | - Jason L. Raymond
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou Industrial ParkJiangsu215123P.R. China
| | - Ian P. Thompson
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou Industrial ParkJiangsu215123P.R. China
| | - Wei E. Huang
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PJUK
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou Industrial ParkJiangsu215123P.R. China
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39
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Synchronization of gene expression across eukaryotic communities through chemical rhythms. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4017. [PMID: 34188048 PMCID: PMC8242030 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The synchronization is a recurring phenomenon in neuroscience, ecology, human sciences, and biology. However, controlling synchronization in complex eukaryotic consortia on extended spatial-temporal scales remains a major challenge. Here, to address this issue we construct a minimal synthetic system that directly converts chemical signals into a coherent gene expression synchronized among eukaryotic communities through rate-dependent hysteresis. Guided by chemical rhythms, isolated colonies of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae oscillate in near-perfect synchrony despite the absence of intercellular coupling or intrinsic oscillations. Increased speed of chemical rhythms and incorporation of feedback in the system architecture can tune synchronization and precision of the cell responses in a growing cell collectives. This synchronization mechanism remain robust under stress in the two-strain consortia composed of toxin-sensitive and toxin-producing strains. The sensitive cells can maintain the spatial-temporal synchronization for extended periods under the rhythmic toxin dosages produced by killer cells. Our study provides a simple molecular framework for generating global coordination of eukaryotic gene expression through dynamic environment.
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40
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Gurbatri CR, Lia I, Vincent R, Coker C, Castro S, Treuting PM, Hinchliffe TE, Arpaia N, Danino T. Engineered probiotics for local tumor delivery of checkpoint blockade nanobodies. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/530/eaax0876. [PMID: 32051224 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax0876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy but only work in a subset of patients and can lead to a multitude of toxicities, suggesting the need for more targeted delivery systems. Because of their preferential colonization of tumors, microbes are a natural platform for the local delivery of cancer therapeutics. Here, we engineer a probiotic bacteria system for the controlled production and intratumoral release of nanobodies targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) using a stabilized lysing release mechanism. We used computational modeling coupled with experimental validation of lysis circuit dynamics to determine the optimal genetic circuit parameters for maximal therapeutic efficacy. A single injection of this engineered system demonstrated an enhanced therapeutic response compared to analogous clinically relevant antibodies, resulting in tumor regression in syngeneic mouse models. Supporting the potentiation of a systemic immune response, we observed a relative increase in activated T cells, an abscopal effect, and corresponding increases in systemic T cell memory populations in mice treated with probiotically delivered checkpoint inhibitors. Last, we leveraged the modularity of our platform to achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy in a poorly immunogenic syngeneic mouse model through effective combinations with a probiotically produced cytokine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Together, these results demonstrate that our engineered probiotic system bridges synthetic biology and immunology to improve upon checkpoint blockade delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice R Gurbatri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Ioana Lia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rosa Vincent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Samuel Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Piper M Treuting
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Taylor E Hinchliffe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA. .,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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41
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Arola-Fernández L, Skardal PS, Arenas A. Geometric unfolding of synchronization dynamics on networks. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2021; 31:061105. [PMID: 34241326 DOI: 10.1063/5.0053837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We study the synchronized state in a population of network-coupled, heterogeneous oscillators. In particular, we show that the steady-state solution of the linearized dynamics may be written as a geometric series whose subsequent terms represent different spatial scales of the network. Specifically, each additional term incorporates contributions from wider network neighborhoods. We prove that this geometric expansion converges for arbitrary frequency distributions and for both undirected and directed networks provided that the adjacency matrix is primitive. We also show that the error in the truncated series grows geometrically with the second largest eigenvalue of the normalized adjacency matrix, analogously to the rate of convergence to the stationary distribution of a random walk. Last, we derive a local approximation for the synchronized state by truncating the spatial series, at the first neighborhood term, to illustrate the practical advantages of our approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Arola-Fernández
- Departament d'Enginyeria Informàtica i Matemàtiques, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | | | - Alex Arenas
- Departament d'Enginyeria Informàtica i Matemàtiques, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
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42
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Coupled oscillation and spinning of photothermal particles in Marangoni optical traps. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024581118. [PMID: 33903243 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024581118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic actuation is critical for driving motion and transport in living systems, ranging from oscillatory motion of bacterial flagella to the rhythmic gait of terrestrial animals. These processes often rely on dynamic and responsive networks of oscillators-a regulatory control system that is challenging to replicate in synthetic active matter. Here, we describe a versatile platform of light-driven active particles with interaction geometries that can be reconfigured on demand, enabling the construction of oscillator and spinner networks. We employ optically induced Marangoni trapping of particles confined to an air-water interface and subjected to patterned illumination. Thermal interactions among multiple particles give rise to complex coupled oscillatory and rotational motions, thus opening frontiers in the design of reconfigurable, multiparticle networks exhibiting collective behavior.
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43
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Fedorec AJH, Karkaria BD, Sulu M, Barnes CP. Single strain control of microbial consortia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1977. [PMID: 33785746 PMCID: PMC8010080 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The scope of bioengineering is expanding from the creation of single strains to the design of microbial communities, allowing for division-of-labour, specialised sub-populations and interaction with “wild” microbiomes. However, in the absence of stabilising interactions, competition between microbes inevitably leads to the removal of less fit community members over time. Here, we leverage amensalism and competitive exclusion to stabilise a two-strain community by engineering a strain of Escherichia coli which secretes a toxin in response to competition. We show experimentally and mathematically that such a system can produce stable populations with a composition that is tunable by easily controllable parameters. This system creates a tunable, stable two-strain consortia while only requiring the engineering of a single strain. Engineered microbial communities can divide labour between their members and interface with natural microbiomes. Here the authors demonstrate how a single toxin producing engineered strain can tune the composition of a two-strain community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J H Fedorec
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Behzad D Karkaria
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Sulu
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris P Barnes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK. .,UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, UK.
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44
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A tunable population timer in multicellular consortia. iScience 2021; 24:102347. [PMID: 33898944 PMCID: PMC8059065 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102347] [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: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Processing time-dependent information requires cells to quantify the duration of past regulatory events and program the time span of future signals. At the single-cell level, timer mechanisms can be implemented with genetic circuits. However, such systems are difficult to implement in single cells due to saturation in molecular components and stochasticity in the limited intracellular space. In contrast, multicellular implementations outsource some of the components of information-processing circuits to the extracellular space, potentially escaping these constraints. Here, we develop a theoretical framework, based on trilinear coordinate representation, to study the collective behavior of populations composed of three cell types under stationary conditions. This framework reveals that distributing different processes (in our case the production, detection and degradation of a time-encoding signal) across distinct strains enables the implementation of a multicellular timer. Our analysis also shows that the circuit can be easily tunable by varying the cellular composition of the consortium. We propose a chemical wire architecture for distributed biological computation Our model predicts how input signals can be restored or modulated in the output Chemical wires can store temporal information and the system can act as a timer Digital periodic input signals can be filtered by altering the strain ratios
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45
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Vasilev RA, Chernikovich VY, Evteeva MA, Sakharov DA, Patrushev MV. Synthetic Biology: Current State and Applications. MOLECULAR GENETICS, MICROBIOLOGY AND VIROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3103/s0891416821010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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46
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Gözen I, Dommersnes P. Biological lipid nanotubes and their potential role in evolution. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. SPECIAL TOPICS 2020; 229:2843-2862. [PMID: 33224439 PMCID: PMC7666715 DOI: 10.1140/epjst/e2020-000130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The membrane of cells and organelles are highly deformable fluid interfaces, and can take on a multitude of shapes. One distinctive and particularly interesting property of biological membranes is their ability to from long and uniform nanotubes. These nanoconduits are surprisingly omnipresent in all domains of life, from archaea, bacteria, to plants and mammals. Some of these tubes have been known for a century, while others were only recently discovered. Their designations are different in different branches of biology, e.g. they are called stromule in plants and tunneling nanotubes in mammals. The mechanical transformation of flat membranes to tubes involves typically a combination of membrane anchoring and external forces, leading to a pulling action that results in very rapid membrane nanotube formation - micrometer long tubes can form in a matter of seconds. Their radius is set by a mechanical balance of tension and bending forces. There also exists a large class of membrane nanotubes that form due to curvature inducing molecules. It seems plausible that nanotube formation and functionality in plants and animals may have been inherited from their bacterial ancestors during endosymbiotic evolution. Here we attempt to connect observations of nanotubes in different branches of biology, and outline their similarities and differences with the aim of providing a perspective on their joint functions and evolutionary origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318 Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315 Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, 412 96 Sweden
| | - Paul Dommersnes
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Hoegskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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47
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Ortseifen V, Viefhues M, Wobbe L, Grünberger A. Microfluidics for Biotechnology: Bridging Gaps to Foster Microfluidic Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:589074. [PMID: 33282849 PMCID: PMC7691494 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.589074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics and novel lab-on-a-chip applications have the potential to boost biotechnological research in ways that are not possible using traditional methods. Although microfluidic tools were increasingly used for different applications within biotechnology in recent years, a systematic and routine use in academic and industrial labs is still not established. For many years, absent innovative, ground-breaking and “out-of-the-box” applications have been made responsible for the missing drive to integrate microfluidic technologies into fundamental and applied biotechnological research. In this review, we highlight microfluidics’ offers and compare them to the most important demands of the biotechnologists. Furthermore, a detailed analysis in the state-of-the-art use of microfluidics within biotechnology was conducted exemplarily for four emerging biotechnological fields that can substantially benefit from the application of microfluidic systems, namely the phenotypic screening of cells, the analysis of microbial population heterogeneity, organ-on-a-chip approaches and the characterisation of synthetic co-cultures. The analysis resulted in a discussion of potential “gaps” that can be responsible for the rare integration of microfluidics into biotechnological studies. Our analysis revealed six major gaps, concerning the lack of interdisciplinary communication, mutual knowledge and motivation, methodological compatibility, technological readiness and missing commercialisation, which need to be bridged in the future. We conclude that connecting microfluidics and biotechnology is not an impossible challenge and made seven suggestions to bridge the gaps between those disciplines. This lays the foundation for routine integration of microfluidic systems into biotechnology research procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Ortseifen
- Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology/CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Martina Viefhues
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanosciences, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lutz Wobbe
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy Group, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology/CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alexander Grünberger
- Multiscale Bioengineering, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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48
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Ding N, Yuan Z, Zhang X, Chen J, Zhou S, Deng Y. Programmable cross-ribosome-binding sites to fine-tune the dynamic range of transcription factor-based biosensor. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10602-10613. [PMID: 32976557 PMCID: PMC7544201 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, predictive translation tuning of regulatory elements to the desired output of transcription factor (TF)-based biosensors remains a challenge. The gene expression of a biosensor system must exhibit appropriate translation intensity, which is controlled by the ribosome-binding site (RBS), to achieve fine-tuning of its dynamic range (i.e. fold change in gene expression between the presence and absence of inducer) by adjusting the translation level of the TF and reporter. However, existing TF-based biosensors generally suffer from unpredictable dynamic range. Here, we elucidated the connections and partial mechanisms between RBS, translation level, protein folding and dynamic range, and presented a design platform that predictably tuned the dynamic range of biosensors based on deep learning of large datasets cross-RBSs (cRBSs). In doing so, a library containing 7053 designed cRBSs was divided into five sub-libraries through fluorescence-activated cell sorting to establish a classification model based on convolutional neural network in deep learning. Finally, the present work exhibited a powerful platform to enable predictable translation tuning of RBS to the dynamic range of biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqi Yuan
- School of Internet of Things Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things Technology Applications, Ministry of Education, Wuxi 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Internet of Things Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Internet of Things Technology Applications, Ministry of Education, Wuxi 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghu Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Deng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, People's Republic of China
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49
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Oral delivery of bacteria: Basic principles and biomedical applications. J Control Release 2020; 327:801-833. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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50
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Du P, Zhao H, Zhang H, Wang R, Huang J, Tian Y, Luo X, Luo X, Wang M, Xiang Y, Qian L, Chen Y, Tao Y, Lou C. De novo design of an intercellular signaling toolbox for multi-channel cell-cell communication and biological computation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4226. [PMID: 32839450 PMCID: PMC7445162 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17993-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular signaling is indispensable for single cells to form complex biological structures, such as biofilms, tissues and organs. The genetic tools available for engineering intercellular signaling, however, are quite limited. Here we exploit the chemical diversity of biological small molecules to de novo design a genetic toolbox for high-performance, multi-channel cell-cell communications and biological computations. By biosynthetic pathway design for signal molecules, rational engineering of sensing promoters and directed evolution of sensing transcription factors, we obtain six cell-cell signaling channels in bacteria with orthogonality far exceeding the conventional quorum sensing systems and successfully transfer some of them into yeast and human cells. For demonstration, they are applied in cell consortia to generate bacterial colony-patterns using up to four signaling channels simultaneously and to implement distributed bio-computation containing seven different strains as basic units. This intercellular signaling toolbox paves the way for engineering complex multicellularity including artificial ecosystems and smart tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huiwei Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100149, China
| | - Haoqian Zhang
- Bluepha Co., Ltd, ZGC Science Park, Changping, Beijing, 102206, China.,Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ruisha Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100149, China
| | - Jianyi Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100149, China
| | - Ye Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xunxun Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100149, China
| | - Min Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yanhui Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, University Town, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Long Qian
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100149, China
| | - Yong Tao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial, Physiological, and Metabolic Engineering and Institute of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100149, China.
| | - Chunbo Lou
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100149, China. .,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, University Town, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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