Researchers generate sophisticated gene circuits for advanced bio-logic

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Kansas Medical Center are developing genetic circuits that have the ability to accomplish more complex tasks by swapping protein building blocks.

Image Source: kurzweilai.net

Engineered from parts of unrelated bacterial genomes, the gene circuits provide the scientific community a wide array of options in designing synthetic cells that can be applied to biofuels, environmental remediation, or medical treatments.

As explained by the researchers, led by Rice graduate student David Shis, the genetic circuit is similar to those used in creating traditional computers and electrical devices, which allow the system to carry out its own instruction if all inputs are present. They explained further that the genetic logic circuit might lead to the “creation of a specific protein when it senses two chemicals or prompt a cell's DNA to repress the creation of that protein.”

Image Source: mit.edu

Rice's assistant professor of biochemistry and cell biology, Matthew Bennett, revealed that one of the ultimate goals of the new technology is to allow cells to sense and respond to their environment in programmatic ways.

He explains: "We want to be able to program cells to go into an environment and do what they're supposed to do….These are akin to electronic circuits -- the logic gates in our computers. In cells, they work a little bit differently, but there are a lot of parallels."

Image Source: np-mag.ru

Lastly, apart from its aforementioned functions, the discovery is also seen as a gateway to solving biological issues, such as environmental pollution, and a program that can be able to cure tumors in the body.

More studies discussing the significant contributions of biomedical engineers can be read on this Riyesh R. Menon blog.