Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
11:23
A Multilayer Microfluidic Platform for the Conduction of Prolonged Cell-Free Gene Expression
Published on: October 6, 2019
10.2K
Customizing cellular signal processing by synthetic multi-level regulatory circuits
Yuanli Gao1,2, Lei Wang3, Baojun Wang4,5
1College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
Nature Communications
|December 18, 2023
Summary
Engineered living systems require customized signal processing. Multi-level genetic circuits integrate transcription and translation control for advanced synthetic biology applications and global challenge solutions.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Genetic engineering
- Systems biology
Background:
- Synthetic biology is increasingly integrated into society, necessitating adaptable signal processing in engineered organisms.
- The development of novel regulatory mechanisms and complex genetic circuits has advanced the field over the last decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and explore the concept of multi-level circuits in synthetic biology.
- To highlight the benefits of integrating multiple regulatory mechanisms for enhanced cellular signal processing.
Main Methods:
- Integration of transcription and translation control mechanisms.
- Design of hybrid genetic circuits termed "multi-level circuits".
Main Results:
- Multi-level circuits offer a paradigm shift in genetic circuit design.
- These circuits enable modification of basic circuit dynamics and facilitate real-world applications.
Conclusions:
- Multi-level circuit design significantly enhances the customization of cellular signal processing.
- This approach empowers synthetic biology to address complex global challenges.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
6.4K
The physiological function of a cell and cellular communication are outcomes of a range of extrinsic signals, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular responses. No two cell types express the same repertoire of signaling components. Receptors are highly selective for their cognate ligands, but once activated, they can alter multiple cellular processes such as DNA transcription, protein synthesis, and metabolic activity.
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
6.4K
01:07Cell Signaling Feedback Loops
6.3K
Positive and negative feedback loops are crucial for regulating biological signaling systems. These feedback loops are processes that connect output signals to their inputs.
Negative feedback loops
Most signaling systems have negative feedback loops that can perform different functions such as output limiter, and adaptation.
Output limiter
Upon receiving an input signal, the cellular response rapidly increases until a threshold is reached. Beyond this threshold, a negative feedback loop...
Negative feedback loops
Most signaling systems have negative feedback loops that can perform different functions such as output limiter, and adaptation.
Output limiter
Upon receiving an input signal, the cellular response rapidly increases until a threshold is reached. Beyond this threshold, a negative feedback loop...
6.3K
01:23Design Example
331
The innovation of touch-tone telephony revolutionized the telecommunications industry by replacing the traditional rotary dial with a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signaling system. This system uses a matrix-style keypad with buttons arranged in four rows and three columns, creating 12 distinct signals each assigned to a pair of frequencies. Each button press results in a simultaneous generation of two sinusoidal tones – one from a low-frequency group (697 to 941 Hz) and one from a...
331
01:22Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
8.5K
When a ligand binds to a cell-surface receptor, the receptor's intracellular domain changes shape, which may either activate its enzyme function or allow its binding to other molecules. The initial signal is amplified by most signal transduction pathways. This means that a single ligand molecule can activate multiple molecules of a downstream target. Proteins that relay a signal are most commonly phosphorylated at one or more sites, activating or inactivating the protein. Kinases catalyze...
8.5K
01:26Signal Transduction: Overview
8.5K
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. They respond to chemical signals, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules, initiating a series of molecular reactions to produce an appropriate response. This is called signal transduction. Cells also coordinate different responses elicited by the same signaling molecule via mediators, allowing molecular cross-talk.
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
8.5K
01:19Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
6.3K
Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
6.3K