Synthetic dynamic transcription frameworks and their applications

Biological transcription uses dynamic machinery modulated by transcription factors and auxiliary environmental cues to control multiple biological processes. Misregulation of the transcription machinery leads to diverse genetic disorders and diseases. Here we discuss the application of DNA nanostructures and circuits in developing synthetic in vitro transcription frameworks that mimic dynamic features, such as switchable blockage of transcription by topological barriers, transcription machineries revealing transient dissipative kinetics, and bistable programs or oscillatory transcription circuits driven by feedback loops, paving the way to exploring and validating mechanisms in native transcription and their potential biological applications. Possible applications of the transcription frameworks for sensing, and future perspectives for autonomous therapeutics and the design of artificial cells, are discussed.