Modular, multi-input transcriptional logic gating with orthogonal LacI/GalR family chimeras

ACS Synth Biol. 2014 Sep 19;3(9):645-51. doi: 10.1021/sb500262f. Epub 2014 Jul 28.

Abstract

In prokaryotes, the construction of synthetic, multi-input promoters is constrained by the number of transcription factors that can simultaneously regulate a single promoter. This fundamental engineering constraint is an obstacle to synthetic biologists because it limits the computational capacity of engineered gene circuits. Here, we demonstrate that complex multi-input transcriptional logic gating can be achieved through the use of ligand-inducible chimeric transcription factors assembled from the LacI/GalR family. These modular chimeras each contain a ligand-binding domain and a DNA-binding domain, both of which are chosen from a library of possibilities. When two or more chimeras have the same DNA-binding domain, they independently and simultaneously regulate any promoter containing the appropriate operator site. In this manner, simple transcriptional AND gating is possible through the combination of two chimeras, and multiple-input AND gating is possible with the simultaneous use of three or even four chimeras. Furthermore, we demonstrate that orthogonal DNA-binding domains and their cognate operators allow the coexpression of multiple, orthogonal AND gates. Altogether, this work provides synthetic biologists with novel, ligand-inducible logic gates and greatly expands the possibilities for engineering complex synthetic gene circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Isopropyl Thiogalactoside / pharmacology
  • Lac Repressors / genetics*
  • Ligands
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Red Fluorescent Protein
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects

Substances

  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Galactose repressor proteins
  • Lac Repressors
  • LacI protein, E coli
  • Ligands
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Isopropyl Thiogalactoside