Photonic gene circuits by optically addressable siRNA-Au nanoantennas

Area of Science:

• Synthetic Biology
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Precise gene circuit perturbation and signaling pathway observation are crucial for biology and medicine.
• Optogenetics enables optical control but requires permanent genomic modifications, limiting dynamic gene circuit reconfiguration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for precise control and reconfiguration of gene circuits in living cells using light.
• To introduce optically addressable siRNA-Au nanoantennas for creating photonic gene circuits.

Main Methods:

• Designed and utilized siRNA-Au nanoantennas acting as optical receivers and siRNA emitters.
• Constructed photonic gene circuits by integrating siRNA-Au nanoantennas as optical inputs into existing cellular circuits.
• Demonstrated the modularity and on-demand combination of subcircuits within photonic gene circuits.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise perturbation and reconfiguration of gene circuits using light-activated siRNA-Au nanoantennas.
• Established that photonic gene circuits are modular and can be assembled as needed.
• Validated the dual functionality of siRNA-Au nanoantennas as optical receivers and biomolecular emitters.

Conclusions:

• Photonic gene circuits offer a novel platform for dynamic control and engineering of gene networks.
• This technology advances fundamental bioscience, bioengineering, and medical applications by enabling on-demand circuit reconfiguration.
• Optically addressable siRNA-Au nanoantennas provide a versatile tool for light-based gene circuit manipulation.