Synchronized DNA cycling across a bacterial population

Nature Genetics 49, 1282 (2017). doi:10.1038/ng.3915 Authors: Leo Baumgart, William Mather & Jeff Hasty A defining goal of synthetic biology is to engineer cells to coordinate tasks that often require precise temporal modulation of gene expression. Although a variety of relatively small gene circuits have been constructed and characterized, their logical combination into larger networks remains a central challenge. This is due primarily to the lack of compatible and orthogonal elements for predictable dynamic control of gene expression. As an alternative approach to promoter-level regulation, we explored the use of DNA copy number as a circuit control element. We engineered colony-wide DNA cycling in Escherichia coli in the form of plasmid copy number oscillations via a modular design that can be readily adapted for use with other gene circuitry. Copy number modulation is a generalizable principle that adds a layer of control to synthetic gene circuits, allowing dynamic regulation of circuit elements without requiring specially engineered promoters.
Source: Nature Genetics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Letter Source Type: research