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Updated: May 27, 2026
09:08
Rapid Optimization of a Light-Inducible System to Control Mammalian Gene Expression
Published on: November 4, 2025
Light-controlled gene switches in mammalian cells
Fuzhong Zhang1, Kristian M Müller, G Andrew Woolley
1BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 16, 2011
Summary
We developed a light-switchable interfering peptide (iPEP) to control gene expression by modulating transcription factor activity. This photo-switchable peptide offers reversible, remote control over cellular processes, advancing synthetic biology applications.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Remote control of cellular functions is crucial for synthetic biology.
- Transcription factors regulate gene expression and are key targets for control.
- Developing light-inducible systems offers precise temporal and spatial regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a light-switchable interfering peptide (iPEP) for controlling gene expression.
- To investigate the photo-switching mechanism and its effect on transcription factor activity.
- To provide protocols for the application of iPEP in mammalian cells.
Main Methods:
- Cross-linking of peptides with cis-trans isomerizable linkers.
- Purification of photo-switchable peptides.
- Analysis of structural changes upon photo-switching using spectroscopic methods.
- DNA binding assays to assess transcription factor complex formation.
- Gene expression studies in mammalian cells to evaluate transcriptional modulation.
Main Results:
- A novel light-switchable interfering peptide (iPEP) was successfully developed.
- The iPEP demonstrated reversible photo-switching between active (cis) and inactive (trans) states.
- Light-activated iPEP showed significantly enhanced inhibition of activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding and gene transcription compared to non-activated forms.
- Protocols for iPEP application, including cross-linking, purification, and functional assays, were established.
Conclusions:
- The developed light-switchable interfering peptide (iPEP) provides a robust tool for remote, light-inducible control of gene expression.
- iPEP effectively modulates transcription factor activity, specifically targeting AP-1.
- This technology holds significant potential for applications in synthetic biology and gene regulation studies.
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