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Bello AJ, Popoola A, Okpuzor J, Ihekwaba-Ndibe AE, Olorunniji FJ. A Genetic Circuit Design for Targeted Viral RNA Degradation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 11:22. [PMID: 38247899 PMCID: PMC10813695 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in synthetic biology have led to the design of biological parts that can be assembled in different ways to perform specific functions. For example, genetic circuits can be designed to execute specific therapeutic functions, including gene therapy or targeted detection and the destruction of invading viruses. Viral infections are difficult to manage through drug treatment. Due to their high mutation rates and their ability to hijack the host's ribosomes to make viral proteins, very few therapeutic options are available. One approach to addressing this problem is to disrupt the process of converting viral RNA into proteins, thereby disrupting the mechanism for assembling new viral particles that could infect other cells. This can be done by ensuring precise control over the abundance of viral RNA (vRNA) inside host cells by designing biological circuits to target vRNA for degradation. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have become important biological devices in regulating RNA processing. Incorporating naturally upregulated RBPs into a gene circuit could be advantageous because such a circuit could mimic the natural pathway for RNA degradation. This review highlights the process of viral RNA degradation and different approaches to designing genetic circuits. We also provide a customizable template for designing genetic circuits that utilize RBPs as transcription activators for viral RNA degradation, with the overall goal of taking advantage of the natural functions of RBPs in host cells to activate targeted viral RNA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebayo J. Bello
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (A.J.B.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232101, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Abdulgafar Popoola
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (A.J.B.); (A.P.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin 241102, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Joy Okpuzor
- Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos 101017, Lagos State, Nigeria;
| | | | - Femi J. Olorunniji
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (A.J.B.); (A.P.)
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2
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Huang CW, Lin C, Nguyen MK, Hussain A, Bui XT, Ngo HH. A review of biosensor for environmental monitoring: principle, application, and corresponding achievement of sustainable development goals. Bioengineered 2023; 14:58-80. [PMID: 37377408 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2095089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human health/socioeconomic development is closely correlated to environmental pollution, highlighting the need to monitor contaminants in the real environment with reliable devices such as biosensors. Recently, variety of biosensors gained high attention and employed as in-situ application, in real-time, and cost-effective analytical tools for healthy environment. For continuous environmental monitoring, it is necessary for portable, cost-effective, quick, and flexible biosensing devices. These benefits of the biosensor strategy are related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN), especially with reference to clean water and sources of energy. However, the relationship between SDGs and biosensor application for environmental monitoring is not well understood. In addition, some limitations and challenges might hinder the biosensor application on environmental monitoring. Herein, we reviewed the different types of biosensors, principle and applications, and their correlation with SDG 6, 12, 13, 14, and 15 as a reference for related authorities and administrators to consider. In this review, biosensors for different pollutants such as heavy metals and organics were documented. The present study highlights the application of biosensor for achieving SDGs. Current advantages and future research aspects are summarized in this paper.Abbreviations: ATP: Adenosine triphosphate; BOD: Biological oxygen demand; COD: Chemical oxygen demand; Cu-TCPP: Cu-porphyrin; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; EDCs: Endocrine disrupting chemicals; EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Fc-HPNs: Ferrocene (Fc)-based hollow polymeric nanospheres; Fe3O4@3D-GO: Fe3O4@three-dimensional graphene oxide; GC: Gas chromatography; GCE: Glassy carbon electrode; GFP: Green fluorescent protein; GHGs: Greenhouse gases; HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography; ICP-MS: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; ITO: Indium tin oxide; LAS: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate; LIG: Laser-induced graphene; LOD: Limit of detection; ME: Magnetoelastic; MFC: Microbial fuel cell; MIP: Molecular imprinting polymers; MWCNT: Multi-walled carbon nanotube; MXC: Microbial electrochemical cell-based; NA: Nucleic acid; OBP: Odorant binding protein; OPs: Organophosphorus; PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; PBBs: Polybrominated biphenyls; PBDEs: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers; PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls; PGE: Polycrystalline gold electrode; photoMFC: photosynthetic MFC; POPs: Persistent organic pollutants; rGO: Reduced graphene oxide; RNA: Ribonucleic acid; SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals; SERS: Surface enhancement Raman spectrum; SPGE: Screen-printed gold electrode; SPR: Surface plasmon resonance; SWCNTs: single-walled carbon nanotubes; TCPP: Tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin; TIRF: Total internal reflection fluorescence; TIRF: Total internal reflection fluorescence; TOL: Toluene-catabolic; TPHs: Total petroleum hydrocarbons; UN: United Nations; VOCs: Volatile organic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wei Huang
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, College of Maritime, National Kaohsiung University of Science and TechnologyPh.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Minh Ky Nguyen
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, College of Maritime, National Kaohsiung University of Science and TechnologyPh.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Adnan Hussain
- Ph. D. Program of Aquatic Science and Technology, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Xuan-Thanh Bui
- Department Water Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department Water Science & Technology, Faculty of Environment & Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Department Water Science & Technology, Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
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Wang B, Tan C. Special Issue "Synthetic Biology for Biosensing in Health and Environmental Applications". BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:937. [PMID: 37887130 PMCID: PMC10605167 DOI: 10.3390/bios13100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Biosensors are analytical devices that utilize biological sensing elements, such as enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, or cells, to detect a given analyte [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojun Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Cheemeng Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Wang Q, Hu Z, Li Z, Liu T, Bian G. Exploring the Application and Prospects of Synthetic Biology in Engineered Living Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2305828. [PMID: 37677048 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
At the intersection of synthetic biology and materials science, engineered living materials (ELMs) exhibit unprecedented potential. Possessing unique "living" attributes, ELMs represent a significant paradigm shift in material design, showcasing self-organization, self-repair, adaptability, and evolvability, surpassing conventional synthetic materials. This review focuses on reviewing the applications of ELMs derived from bacteria, fungi, and plants in environmental remediation, eco-friendly architecture, and sustainable energy. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress and emerging design strategies for ELMs in various application fields from the perspectives of synthetic biology and materials science. In addition, the review provides valuable references for the design of novel ELMs, extending the potential applications of future ELMs. The investigation into the synergistic application possibilities amongst different species of ELMs offers beneficial reference information for researchers and practitioners in this field. Finally, future trends and development challenges of synthetic biology for ELMs in the coming years are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhehui Hu
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhixuan Li
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tiangang Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guangkai Bian
- Center of Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Short AE, Kim D, Milner PT, Wilson CJ. Next generation synthetic memory via intercepting recombinase function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5255. [PMID: 37644045 PMCID: PMC10465543 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41043-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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we present a technology to facilitate synthetic memory in a living system via repurposing Transcriptional Programming (i.e., our decision-making technology) parts, to regulate (intercept) recombinase function post-translation. We show that interception synthetic memory can facilitate programmable loss-of-function via site-specific deletion, programmable gain-of-function by way of site-specific inversion, and synthetic memory operations with nested Boolean logical operations. We can expand interception synthetic memory capacity more than 5-fold for a single recombinase, with reconfiguration specificity for multiple sites in parallel. Interception synthetic memory is ~10-times faster than previous generations of recombinase-based memory. We posit that the faster recombination speed of our next-generation memory technology is due to the post-translational regulation of recombinase function. This iteration of synthetic memory is complementary to decision-making via Transcriptional Programming - thus can be used to develop intelligent synthetic biological systems for myriad applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Short
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dowan Kim
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Prasaad T Milner
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Corey J Wilson
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Xue F, Ma X, Luo C, Li D, Shi G, Li Y. Construction of a bacteriophage-derived recombinase system in Bacillus licheniformis for gene deletion. AMB Express 2023; 13:89. [PMID: 37633871 PMCID: PMC10460339 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01589-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus licheniformis and its related strains have found extensive applications in diverse industries, agriculture, and medicine. However, the current breeding methods for this strain primarily rely on natural screening and traditional mutagenesis. The limited availability of efficient genetic engineering tools, particularly recombination techniques, has hindered further advancements in its applications. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify and characterize a recombinase, RecT, derived from a Bacillus phage. Remarkably, the recombinase exhibited a 105-fold enhancement in the recombination efficiency of the strain. To facilitate genome editing, we developed a system based on the conditional expression of RecT using a rhamnose-inducible promoter (Prha). The efficacy of this system was evaluated by deleting the amyL gene, which encodes an α-amylase. Our findings revealed that the induction time and concentration of rhamnose, along with the generation time of the strain, significantly influenced the editing efficiency. Optimal conditions for genome editing were determined as follows: the wild-type strain was initially transformed with the genome editing plasmid, followed by cultivation and induction with 1.5% rhamnose for 8 h. Subsequently, the strain was further cultured for an additional 24 h, equivalent to approximately three generations. Consequently, the recombination efficiency reached an impressive 16.67%. This study represents a significant advancement in enhancing the recombination efficiency of B. licheniformis through the utilization of a RecT-based recombination system. Moreover, it provides a highly effective genome editing tool for genetic engineering applications in this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Cigar Fermentation, Cigar Technology Innovation Center of China Tobacco, Tobacco Sichuan Industrial Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
| | - Xufan Ma
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Cigar Fermentation, Cigar Technology Innovation Center of China Tobacco, Tobacco Sichuan Industrial Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
| | - Dongliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Cigar Fermentation, Cigar Technology Innovation Center of China Tobacco, Tobacco Sichuan Industrial Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
| | - Guiyang Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Youran Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China.
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7
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Vergnes A, Becam J, Loiseau L, Ezraty B. Engineering of a Bacterial Biosensor for the Detection of Chlorate in Food. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:629. [PMID: 37366994 DOI: 10.3390/bios13060629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Chlorate can contaminate food due to the use of chlorinated water for processing or equipment disinfection. Chronic exposure to chlorate in food and drinking water is a potential health concern. The current methods for detecting chlorate in liquids and foods are expensive and not easily accessible to all laboratories, highlighting an urgent need for a simple and cost-effective method. The discovery of the adaptation mechanism of Escherichia coli to chlorate stress, which involves the production of the periplasmic Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase (MsrP), prompted us to use an E. coli strain with an msrP-lacZ fusion as a biosensor for detecting chlorate. Our study aimed to optimize the bacterial biosensor's sensitivity and efficiency to detect chlorate in various food samples using synthetic biology and adapted growth conditions. Our results demonstrate successful biosensor enhancement and provide proof of concept for detecting chlorate in food samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Vergnes
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Jérôme Becam
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Loiseau
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Ezraty
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, 13009 Marseille, France
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8
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Mathur S, Singh D, Ranjan R. Genetic circuits in microbial biosensors for heavy metal detection in soil and water. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 652:131-137. [PMID: 36842324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.031] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid population growth, the world is witnessing an ever-increasing demand for energy and natural resources. Consequently, soil, air, and water are polluted with diverse pollutants, including heavy metals (HM). The detection of heavy metals is necessary to remediate them, which is achieved with biosensors. Initially, these HM were detected using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography etc., but these were costly and time consuming which further paved a way for microbe-based biosensors. The development of genetic circuits for microbe-based biosensors has become more popular in recent years for heavy metal detection. In this review, we have especially discussed the various types of genetic circuits such as toggle switches, logic gates, and amplification modules used in these biosensors as they are used to enhance sensitivity and specificity. Genetic circuits also allow for rapid and multiple analyte detection at the same time. The use of microbial biosensors for the detection of HM in the soil as well as the water is also described below. Although with a higher success rate than classical biosensors, these microbial biosensors still have some drawbacks like bioavailability and size of the analyte which are needed to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivangi Mathur
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra, 282005, India
| | - Deeksha Singh
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra, 282005, India
| | - Rajiv Ranjan
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra, 282005, India.
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Köse S, Ahan RE, Köksaldı İÇ, Olgaç A, Kasapkara ÇS, Şeker UÖŞ. Multiplexed cell-based diagnostic devices for detection of renal biomarkers. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 223:115035. [PMID: 36571991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.115035] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The number of synthetic biology-based solutions employed in the medical industry is growing every year. The whole cell biosensors being one of them, have been proven valuable tools for developing low-cost, portable, personalized medicine alternatives to conventional techniques. Based on this concept, we targeted one of the major health problems in the world, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). To do so, we developed two novel biosensors for the detection of two important renal biomarkers: urea and uric acid. Using advanced gene expression control strategies, we improved the operational range and the response profiles of each biosensor to meet clinical specifications. We further engineered these systems to enable multiplexed detection as well as an AND-logic gate operating system. Finally, we tested the applicability of these systems and optimized their working dynamics inside complex medium human blood serum. This study could help the efforts to transition from labor-intensive and expensive laboratory techniques to widely available, portable, low-cost diagnostic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sıla Köse
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Recep Erdem Ahan
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İlkay Çisil Köksaldı
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Asburçe Olgaç
- Dr Sami Ulus Children's Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Seher Kasapkara
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Department of Internal Medicine, Children's Health and Disease Section, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Urartu Özgür Şafak Şeker
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey.
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Zhou T, Liang Z, Marchisio MA. Engineering a two-gene system to operate as a highly sensitive biosensor or a sharp switch upon induction with β-estradiol. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21791. [PMID: 36526685 PMCID: PMC9758199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26195-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human estrogen receptor has been used for about thirty years, in the yeast S. cerevisiae, as a component of chimeric transcription factors. Its ligand, β-estradiol, permits to control the protein translocation into the nucleus and, as a consequence, the expression of the gene(s) targeted by the synthetic transcription factor. Activators that are orthogonal to the yeast genome have been realized by fusing the human estrogen receptor to an activation and a DNA-binding domain from bacteria, viruses, or higher eukaryotes. In this work, we optimized the working of a β-estradiol-sensing device-in terms of detection range and maximal output signal-where the human estrogen receptor is flanked by the bacterial protein LexA and either the strong VP64 (from herpes simplex virus) or the weaker B42 (from E. coli) activation domain. We enhanced the biosensor performance by thoroughly engineering both the chimeric activator and the reporter protein expression cassette. In particular, we constructed a synthetic promoter-where transcription is induced by the chimeric activators-based on the core sequence of the yeast CYC1 promoter, by tuning parameters such as the length of the 5' UTR, the distance between adjacent LexA binding sites (operators), and the spacing between the whole operator region and the main promoter TATA box. We found a configuration that works both as a highly sensitive biosensor and a sharp switch depending on the concentration of the chimeric activator and the strength of its activation domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Zhiying Liang
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2 Yikuang Street, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Mario Andrea Marchisio
- grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072 China
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