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Photomodulation of Cellular Gene Expression in Hydrogels
Anirudha Singh1, Tara L Deans1, Jennifer H Elisseeff1
1Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States.
ACS Macro Letters
|May 18, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using photochemistry and click chemistry to control gene expression in synthetic biomaterials. This technique precisely releases genetic inducers upon UV light exposure, enabling dynamic control over cellular events within engineered niches.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Synthetic Biology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Biomaterials aim to replicate extracellular matrix properties via chemical signals.
- Controlling the dynamic timing of gene expression in synthetic environments remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for precise temporal control of cellular gene expression in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels.
- To utilize photochemistry and click chemistry for synthetic biology applications.
Main Methods:
- Covalently linking isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) to PEG using a photocleavable ANPEOC moiety.
- Utilizing UV light exposure to trigger the release of IPTG and activate gene expression.
- Monitoring gene expression via enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP).
Main Results:
- Successful release of IPTG upon short UV light exposure.
- Demonstrated activation of EGFP gene expression, indicating successful modulation of cellular events.
- The ANPEOC moiety proved to be biocompatible and easily synthesized.
Conclusions:
- Combining material chemistry with synthetic biology offers a powerful approach to engineer cellular niches.
- This method allows for precise control over both intrinsic and extrinsic cellular events.
- The developed system holds promise for advanced biomaterial applications requiring temporal control.
