A red light-controlled synthetic gene expression switch for plant systems.

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Plant biotechnology
• Molecular genetics

Background:

• Precise control of gene expression in plants is crucial for studying cellular processes.
• Existing chemical-inducible systems lack spatiotemporal resolution and can cause toxicity.
• Need for advanced tools for targeted gene regulation in plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the first synthetic light-inducible system for targeted gene expression control in plants.
• To engineer a split transcription factor using plant photoreceptors for light responsiveness.
• To demonstrate the system's utility in basic research and biotechnology.

Main Methods:

• Interdisciplinary synthetic biology approach combining mammalian and plant systems.
• Customization and optimization of a split transcription factor based on phytochrome B and PIF6.
• Implementation in transient assays using tobacco (N. tabacum) protoplasts and the moss P. patens.

Main Results:

• Achieved strong (95-fold) gene induction with red light (660 nm) in tobacco protoplasts.
• Demonstrated instantaneous gene expression 'OFF' state using far-red light (740 nm).
• Showcased toggle-switch capability and potential for whole-plant applications with modified white light.

Conclusions:

• The developed light-inducible system provides precise spatiotemporal control over gene expression in plants.
• The system is applicable for light-controlled tuning of plant signaling pathways, such as auxin networks.
• Offers potential for chemical-inducer-free production of therapeutic proteins in plants.