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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
12:24
Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
Published on: September 29, 2016
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Engineering synthetic phosphorylation signaling networks in human cells
Xiaoyu Yang1,2, Jason W Rocks3, Kaiyi Jiang1
1Department of Bioengineering, Rice University; Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|September 25, 2023
Summary
Scientists engineered artificial protein phosphorylation networks in human cells. These synthetic circuits enable precise cellular sensing and response functions for biosensing and therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling and synthetic biology.
Background:
- Protein phosphorylation networks are crucial for cellular environmental sensing and response.
- Existing methods lack modularity and precise control over synthetic signaling pathways.
Approach:
- Engineered artificial phosphorylation networks using modular "push-pull" motifs (kinase-phosphatase cycles).
- Assembled and wired these motifs into synthetic phosphorylation circuits within human cells.
- Demonstrated model-guided tuning of circuit function and network connectivity.
Key Points:
- Synthetic circuits can connect to cell surface receptors for rapid ligand sensing.
- Downstream connections allow for regulation of gene expression.
- Engineered cell-based cytokine controllers to dynamically sense and suppress activated T cells.
Conclusions:
- Developed a generalizable approach for designing and building synthetic phosphorylation circuits.
- Enabled user-defined "sense-and-respond" functions for biosensing and therapeutics.
- Paved the way for advanced cellular control and engineered biological systems.
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