Boosting functionality of synthetic DNA circuits with tailored deactivation

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Molecular programming
• Chemical kinetics

Background:

• Molecular programming uses synthetic nucleic acid biochemistry to build reaction networks.
• Circuit function depends on topology and dynamical features (rate laws).
• Tuning nonlinearities in synthetic networks is crucial for advanced functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a mechanism for tuning nonlinearities in synthetic molecular networks.
• To demonstrate the conversion of a homoeostatic network into a bistable switch.
• To expand the library of man-made molecular devices with new functionalities.

Main Methods:

• Programming deactivation laws using dedicated saturable pathways.
• Experimental demonstration of network conversion and new device creation.
• Characterization of molecular circuit behavior and information processing capabilities.

Main Results:

• A novel mechanism to tune network node nonlinearities was developed.
• A single-node homoeostatic network was successfully converted into a bistable switch.
• New molecular devices, including a three-bit memory system and a DNA-encoded excitable circuit, were created.

Conclusions:

• Saturable deactivation pathways significantly enhance the functional capabilities of molecular circuits.
• This approach enriches the functional repertoire of synthetic molecular devices.
• The developed methods provide powerful tools for designing complex molecular information processing systems.