Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
07:56
Measuring Skeletal Muscle Thermogenesis in Mice and Rats
Published on: July 27, 2022
3.2K
Thermogenetics: Applications come of age
Wai Kit David Chee1, Jing Wui Yeoh1, Viet Linh Dao1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore.
Biotechnology Advances
|January 18, 2022
Summary
Synthetic biology advances create novel temperature-sensitive (TS) sensors for thermogenetics. These tools offer exciting biomedical and biotechnology applications by harnessing natural thermosensing mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Temperature is a versatile physical cue for non-invasive control.
- Thermogenetics leverages natural thermosensing for engineered applications.
- Synthetic biology enables the design of robust temperature-sensitive (TS) sensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent technological advancements in thermosensor development.
- To highlight the potential of the thermogenetics field.
- To showcase applications in biomedical, industrial, and biosafety sectors.
Main Methods:
- Repurposing natural thermosensing mechanisms.
- Designing and building synthetic temperature-sensitive (TS) sensors.
- Utilizing advanced technological platforms for discovery.
Main Results:
- Development of a well-characterized thermogenetic toolbox.
- Expedited discovery of novel and de novo thermosensors.
- Increased deployment of TS sensors in practical applications.
Conclusions:
- Recent technological progress has significantly advanced thermosensor capabilities.
- The field of thermogenetics presents numerous opportunities for innovation.
- Thermosensors are poised for widespread use in temperature-dependent applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Thermoregulation
1.5K
The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...
1.5K
01:19Mechanism of heat transfer
1.4K
Understanding heat transfer mechanisms is essential for understanding how our bodies maintain balance in different environmental conditions. When the environment is thermoneutral, the body is in a state of balance, neither using nor releasing energy to maintain its core temperature. However, when the environment is not thermoneutral, the body employs four heat transfer mechanisms to maintain homeostasis: conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation. These mechanisms facilitate heat...
1.4K
01:25Body Temperature
3.2K
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
3.2K
01:27Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature
348
Microorganisms display remarkable adaptations, enabling them to thrive in diverse ecological niches across a wide range of temperatures. Temperature profoundly influences microbial growth by affecting enzymatic activity, membrane fluidity, and other cellular processes.Each microorganism operates within a specific temperature range defined by three cardinal points: minimum, optimum, and maximum. Below the minimum temperature, membranes lose fluidity, halting transport processes. Above the...
348
01:43Thermosensation
32.2K
Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
32.2K
01:21Hyperthermophilic Bacteria
132
Domain Bacteria includes some unique hyperthermophilic species. They exhibit remarkable adaptations that enable survival in extreme environments.Thermotoga species are rod-shaped, gram-negative, non-sporulating hyperthermophiles that form a sheath-like envelope called a toga. They ferment sugars or starch, producing lactate, acetate, CO₂, and H₂, and can also grow via anaerobic respiration using H₂ and ferric iron. Found in hot springs and hydrothermal vents, over 20% of their...
132